Conference Sunday Event Report
Posted by John Allen on Oct 23, 2016
Walk Christchurch City Tour
Approximately 20 Rotarians met outside the Museum at 10 am on Sunday morning after Conference, to walk the streets of Christchurch to find out more about our City, and find our more about our City we did. The group was split into two groups which were very ably lead by Glen Tregurtha, Deryn’s son, and Clare.
The tour started at the front of the Museum, we being asked to find the hidden gargoyle at the entrance to the Mountford designed building. We then walked to Christ College where we marvelled at the integrated styles of the different buildings which were built at different times since Christ College was first founded to the present day. Again some very prominent gargoyles can be seen; then it was off to look at the labelled different light standards from 21 different countries from around the world which line the Park Terrace Riverbank, some of which are beautiful works of art.
Other highlights during the tour was seeing the recently erected identical Antony Gormley Statue to the one in the Avon River at the Arts Centre, where we marvelled at the restored great hall, and chanced a free coffee with the company that is moving into the Arts Centre in November, mmmm.
The Tour took use around the City to the “Cardboard Cathedral” where we learnt about its natural ventilating system, and finished back at the Museum.
Some of the other highlights during the tour was learning more about the base isolation system, which allows buildings to move half a metre or more during a severe earthquake hopefully without serious damage, (from the road we saw some of these base isolation systems in the new buildings); twisted bridge supporting framing caused by the 22 February 2011 earthquake that has been left in place after the bridge has been strengthened; and the Coolme Snake sculpture by Judy Millers, this being another example of the art works around the City that contribute to the “soul” of the City. The eels and large trout in the Avon looked particularly healthy.
Even though I have lived in this City for 68 years, I was pleasantly surprised what I learnt, and therefore can recommend to those who wish to know more about our City that they take this tour. It is a great experience on a lovely warm day.
Even though I have lived in this City for 68 years, I was pleasantly surprised what I learnt, and therefore can recommend to those who wish to know more about our City that they take this tour. It is a great experience on a lovely warm day.