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15 November 2000 |
People’s Celebration Of 150 Years
Donkey and horse and cart rides, an ancient fire pump, petanque, croquet, veteran cars, tennis, and Victorian pastimes will all be at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday.
This will be at the Victorian Garden Party - the big party for Canterbury residents to let their hair down for the afternoon.
The Garden Party is just one of the events planned for Sunday to mark the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the organised European settlement of Christchurch and Canterbury by the Canterbury Association.
Sunday will start with a Civic Service in Cathedral Square at 10am with a welcome by the Dean of Christchurch, the Very Rev John Bluck.
Earlier, at 9am, the Cathedral bells will ring out and at 9.45am the Cathedral Brass will perform.
The Governor General, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, will read the first lesson and the Hon Christopher Godley, a great-great grandson of John Robert Godley, founder of Canterbury, will read letters by Charlotte, the wife of J R Godley.
A sculpture, Risen Christ, by Terry Stringer will be unveiled by the Anglican Bishop, the Rt Rev Dr David Coles, before an address by the Mayor, Garry Moore.
A karanga and a choral refrain will follow to receive the procession of original whakapapa records.
Other church leaders will attend.
The Grand Parade - A Living History will leave Cathedral Square at 10.45am for the Botanic Gardens. This will travel along Colombo Street, to Armagh Street to Oxford Terrace before turning right into Worcester Boulevard arriving at the gardens.
This parade will include scores of groups and organisations from all walks of life.
The Town Crier will be at the head of the parade and it will include Alf’s Imperial Army, penny-farthing cycles, dancers, marchers, several bands and sports groups.
At the Botanic Gardens the Victoria Garden Party will start at noon. Picnickers are encouraged but food will on sale.
This Garden Party is designed for families to celebrate 150 years of the province.
Further information: Rae Finlay, CEO Turning Point 2000: 379 2008 or 025 542 000.