1919: 'A noble memorial'
Hi neighbours,
Did you know...
One of Christchurch’s most important monuments was inspired by a letter to The Press.
A correspondent known only as L.M.I., but later identified as Mrs Wyn Irwin, had a letter published on July 24, 1919, in which she wondered if some arches that were put up for peace celebrations could become permanent, and “why Christchurch, by nature adapted to arched bridges, as the river flows through the centre of the city, and its banks are considered the main beauty spots of the town, has been so remiss in not adopting this mode of architecture.”
L.M.I. referred to a book that described a Bridge of Remembrance in Japan, and even suggested the Christchurch bridge be given that name.
“If that idea were adopted here, and the site chosen, the Cashel street bridge, how appropriate it would be. I choose this site in preference to all others, on account of its being the bridge all our soldiers have passed over, therefore the most historic bridge in Christchurch.”
Soon, The Press editorialised. And so it came to pass. The bridge was unveiled in 1924.
We're talking new year resolutions...
Tidying the house before going to bed each night, meditating upon waking or taking the stairs at work.
What’s something quick, or easy, that you started doing that made a major positive change in your life?
Light up your life
The Karen Walker Paints collection from Resene will see you sprucing up your home in style with this simple but fun project using your favourite Karen Walker testpot colours. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Is now the time to change "The Garden City" Title?
Something to natter about over tonight's events.
Since the 2010/2011 Earthquakes, Christchurch has struggled to replicate or make a come-back to regain the "Garden City" title.
There are a large number of contributing factors, land and properties being destroyed and rendered inhabitable = gardens lost for many years or altogether, during the Chaos that followed, residents, businesses and the council had far greater priorities to worry about.
Now the dust has mostly settled, it is becoming more and more obvious that "The Garden City" title can never be lived up to again.
My observations are decisions are being made that are making it impossible:
Huge chunks of land are now mown wastelands, for exercising and dog walking.
Other areas have been converted into water retention/nature and wildlife reserves, none of the plans I have seen or heard, indicate a move back to a Garden City image.
Add to this that high-density housing is reducing the land to grow a garden on and the latest charging for water usage has had a visible effect on how people keep the berm outside their houses. Lots of the properties that are still intact for gardening are now rental properties and it is not hard to see which of those properties are as you drive around, but lots would not win the Garden Award.
I am not in favour or against any of the factors mentioned, I heard chch referred to as "The Garden City" and thought if we had to come up with a new name, what would we want it to be, that reflects a new Image?
Cathedral City is out
Cycle City.....
Wetland wonderland ......
Dog-Friendly City.
I hope you receive all that you deserve in 2025
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