COMMUNITY NEWS

October 2015 Volume 12 Issue 9

THEN AND NOW

LookingWest

LookingNorth

THE AVONSIDE TENNIS CLUB in River Road appears to have been established around 1900. It wasalways known as a Lawn Tennis Club, but I am told it never had any lawn courts, they were always bitumen.This photo dated 1910 shows a Grand Pavilion and six courts which were situated on land between WindsorTerrace (renamed Harvey Terrace in 1948) and the river. The Avon Rowing Club was alongside the courts on theriverside and further along toward Fitzgerald Avenue was Christ's College Rowing Club. The location must havebeen a popular social point in those days!The first Club building was seen as a stately two-storey building with room for every occasion, plus table tennisrooms uptairs. The top floor suffered fire damage early in 1940, but the ground floor was kept in use until it wasdemolished in 1953, followed by the erection of new clubrooms, being a very substantial concrete building whichalso became the home of the Avonside Table Tennis Club. This later building was demolished in 2006 and partof the ground sold. There were five new townhouses built on this site that were unfortunately badly damaged inthe February 22nd 2011 earthquake and subsequently demolished. All that is left of this thriving facility is a ratherforelorn looking tennis court with weeds growing through the bitumen as pictured above right. The tennis courtis now surrounded by empty sections because all the houses were demolished due to earthquake damage andtheir proximity to the river. Maybe at a future date, houses will once again grace this fair landscape.

Business Equipment

tifunctiona! Copiers - Printers

Document Soiutions - IT

Kyocera - Samsung - Fuji Xerox

O3 366 2217 www.kmbe.co.nz

Page2

Elly & Hamza of Persian Kitchen Cafe & restaurant, invitediners from Richmond and other suburbs to try theirdelectable cuizine

P.O. Box RICHMOND PHONE26-036 CLUB 389-5778

75 London Street Christchurch

MEALSCOMPREHENSIVE MENU

WE ARE PROUD TOSUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Crossword 1505 AnswersAcross: 1.Workhorse, 6. Faded, 9. Imbed, 10. Papalists, 11.Tatters,12. Restore, Embroiderywork, 17. Conservatively, 21. Reefers, 23.Pistols, 25. Granatina, 26. Cling, 27. Tweed, 28. IndulgentDown: 1. Whistles, 2. Robot, 3. Hedgerows, 4. Reposed, 5. Emperor,6.Folds, 7. Discourse, 8. Duster, 14. Brokerage, 15. Whimsical16. Eyesight, 18. Rossini, 19. Applaud, 20. Fright, 22. Eland,

24. Opine.

1 Peal (5)

4, Comic imitation (9)

9. Home-sickness (9)

10-Clan (5)

11. Enhancement (13)

14. Shellfish (4)

15. Qns-roomed accom-

modation (6,4)

18. Sare facts (5,5)

19. Branch (4)

21. Educations! (13)

24 Early (5)

25. Unmarried women (9)

27. First-torn mate (6,3)

28. Alter (5)

1. Stoop (10)

2. Ignoramus (3)

3. Comb-maker's files (6)

4. Older relative (3,6)

5. Fish (5)

6. Alternative (6,2)

7. 5s power of a million (11}

. Made steady (10)

17. Greek name for Ulysses(S)

20- Thin paper (6)

22. Hazards (5)

23. Authentic (4)

26. Preceding day (3)

The deadline for advertising and news stories for theNovember issue is October 15th

Piko Wholefoods is moving back home to the corner ofKilmore and Barbados Streets. We've really enjoyed ourtemporary home on Stanmore Road, and hope all ourRichmond locals will come and visit us at our beautiful newshop! We aim to be open around the end of October and wewill advertise on both buildings when we have a set date.

Thanks for having us Richmond!

Page 3

and neighbours. Fridays 11 am -

Delia Community Support Trust We are a Christian community-based organization located at105 North Avon Road, Richmond. We engage in community development through a variedrange of services, initiatives and activities. Irv p^rjieuiar, these seek to upiift people who arefacing personal hardship, experiencing dis4Si fcp!ation or other disadvantage.Food Store Providing Food Parcels for those in o^area. Open Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays 1Garrv2pm.Budget Advice If you would like help^fh budgeting ifgid finances, we are able to providesupport & advice. Talk to Andrea («Delta Inn Come and enjoy our cor1pm (meal served at 12 midday) dor!c?lFootprints Cafe Relax with a cojWednesday^ 10am-3pm.We run a Social EnglishChildren under 5 welcome.»International Play Group cas^f^ss^^s^^^^f^K!^htt^!fi^^^9W}1.30am at Te Puna Oraka,69B Briggs Road. English class for mothers and free play for children. $2. Our cultural workeris also available to assist former refugees & migrants. Contact Shauna on 389 0219.Delta Friendship Link provides opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities to formfriendships and socialise with their peers. A wide range of group activities are on offer withthe aim to encourage participation, learning and interaction in a fun and relaxedenvironment. Friendship Link hosts groups that include both social events and a variety of skill-based activities. To find out-more, contact Sue on 389 0273 or &ue@de|tgtnjst^ora.nzThe Evergreen Club A dynamic day club for older people (65+). Open Monday to Friday,9.30am - 3pm. Meal & Transport included. Contact Kafhryn on 960 3228 or atkathrvn@deitgtrust.Qrg.nz

friendly cafe. Monday &.

in a relaxed environment.

FUNERAL DIRECTORSSince 1881...«coutinmng

jmil

John Rhind Funeral Directors379-9920

Part of the Richmond Community since 1881 ^ assistanceOperating from our original site in London Street for over 120

years, John Rhind Funeral Directors today offer a modern chapel

and. homely catering lounge, and a team of caring professionals,

including an after-care bereavement support person.

John Rhind Funeral Directors,19 London Street, Chriscchurch.Fax (03) 366-7488

Accredited

Page 4

Aveburv House Happenings^Mothers e£ (Babies

Each Wednesday from 10.30 - 11.30 am during the school term.

Every week there is something new to do or learn, ranging from a variety of play activities for you and your young one to beinvolved in, music, or an outside guest (mobile library, hula hoop lady), etc.

Please come and join us, a gold coin donation is appreciated but not expected. We welcome all mums, caregivers and theiryoung ones.

Contact: Rachel Curry - 027 7463 759i

Community gardening Cjroup

Meets on a Wednesday morning from 9.30 am until 11.30 am. This friendly group of keen gardeners welcome one and all to jointhem.

Contact: Cathy Allden - 021 0248 7149

(jentCe Exercise (jroup

This group meets at 10 am on a Monday morning and enjoys a half an hour of chat and company over morning tea beforebeginning their exercise routine run by our warm and welcoming tutor Janet.

Contact: Trish or Karin -381 6615

This dedicated and hard working group of quilters donate their time to making and donating quilts to children here inChristchurch that are in need of a little extra loving kindness.

The group meets on Wednesday from 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm each week to collect material, work on their quilts, support andencourage one another. The quilts are presented to various groups of children each term, generally here at the House where thequilters, children and their caregivers spend time after the presentation sharing in afternoon tea and chat.

Contact: Karin or Trish - 381 6615

Other uses ofjiveButy "House

Avebury House can be hired for the day or part thereof. You can hire the whole House, the downstairs only, or as manyindividual rooms as you need.

Because of the nature of the House it is very - do it yourself - so you can have your day as simple as you like or as elaborate asyou like,

We have a commercial kitchen which is stocked with a limited amount of china and cutlery. You can do your own catering orbring someone in. You could have canapes or a buffet or anything in between.

We also have a wedding arch, white outdoor chairs and trestle tables free of charge. The wedding arch can be decorated howeveryou like eg ribbons, flowers etc. Ribbon/flowers could be used on the bannister.

The House has many areas for great photos- the staircase with the stain glass window above. The bride and groom and thewedding party would look great coming down the stairs. The balcony lends to some lovely photos- you can get some great shotsof your quests together on the lawn. Photos taken from the lawn looking up at the bride and groom on the balcony look amazingas well. Take all opportunities to use the gardens (north lawn), there is a small children's playground behind the House for some

fun photos. In the summer the roses and gardens are just lovely.

Vpcoming 'Events

On Sunday the 18th of October Avebury House will be having an Open Day to celebrate Heritage Week. We will be here withDevonshire teas, horse-shoe throwing and guided tours of the House from 10.00 am - 3.00 pm.

November the 29lh will be our annual Christmas Concert. This year we will also be celebrating the Garden City Orchestra havingbeen performing at this event for 10 years. Along with the Garden City Orchestra there will be our usual free sausage sizzle andsome new added attractions, e.g. free bouncy castle and Harald the giraffe.

Look out in future editions for news about the Richmond Community Gala on the 20"1 February 2016.The theme for this years Heritage Week Festival is "Comings and Goings

I have managed to procure (curtesy of The Christchurch Press) a number of photos of Canterbury troops paradingthrough the square in preparation to embarcation for the War Front One in particular is of interest to Cantabrians, it isthe laying of the foundation stone by Lord Jellico for the original Christchurch RSA. This RSA was the very first in NewZealand and now the new building is the latest.

PageS

Selling Your Home

Choose Skill and experience, supported bythe resources of the Ray White Group.

Another very happy homeowner... SOLD!

Phone: 03 359 1899 or 027 434 4234Email: biSi.cornelivJS@raywhite.com

"Thanks Bill especially for the excellent work youdid to bring this together- very professional andcustomer orientated." Bill Cornelius AREINZ

Licensee Agent (REAA 2008}I've been selling homes like yours since 1978

Pip Nielsen Realty Ltd

Volunteers urgently needed to fold andaeliver the Richmond Community News.Interested persons please phone Avebury House Ph 381-6615

Celebrating International Literacy Day on 8th September this year, the ShirleyBoys High School staff dressed as their favourite children's book characters

Do you have any old bottles or stone jars lying about gathering dust and want to get rid

of them? A local Historian and bottle collector could be very interested. If you have any-

thing of that nature, then please phone Alan Williamson on 980-2169 and have a chat.

An experienced local gardener is available for work in the Richmond area. Please contact Christine on03 381-6947 to discuss costs etc.

Page 6

Pictured are three views of the new Community Gardenjust established at he back of Avebury House. More workis yet to be done but a lot of progress has already beenmade.

Beca Heritage WeekBeca Heritage Week is returning fro 9 to 26 October inChristchurch and Banks Peninsular. A wide variety of events willbe on offer including family fun days,talks, walks, exhibitions,open days, tours and much more.

This year we are excited to have a partnership with French Festin Akaroa. This will be the first key event (9 to 11 October) duringBeca Heritage Week Festival.

On Sunday 18 October experience a day of fun activities andentertainment at our Family Fun Hay. Explore our city as youlearn about your family heritage and the journeys of yourancestors with live music, dancing, markets game and food stalls.Hop on the free double-decker bus to connect with numerousheritage hubs around the Central City.

The annual Qjtpn Bradley Park Spring Fair is another greatfamily day out. Explore the heritage buildings, farm machineryand Mil House. Check out the stalls, live music and bouncy castle.

Over 60 events are being held as part of the festival. Look out forthe Heritage WeekBrnuchcr in your local Uluzu^Lor service centreor visit www.heritageweek.co.nz for a full list of events

Page?

73 River RoadTaken from "Homes of the Pioneers"

Pen & Wash Drawing A. J. MairText by J. A. Hendry RN.Z.I.A.

On its knoll above the River Avon, this charming house was all that remained of a hundred acre property anda much larger complex of dairies and stables approached originally from Stanmore Road. The property wasfirst taken up in 1851 by C.E. Fooks, who sold it 10 years later to Aikman. In the next four years there weresix owners and in 1873 one of the Campbells of Craigieburn Run bought it selling in 1876 to Colonel Templerwho lived there for many years. Eventually the estate was broken up until only the house and a small sectionremained.It is not know when it was built, but from the design it probably dated from the early 1870s, most likely replacing

an earlier house. Rather resembling a doll's house, being delicate in detail and scale, it fitted easily into itssurroundings with verandahs screening the main rooms. The walls of brick, painted white, had half-timberedgables of pleasing design finished with large bay windows, fretted barge boards and quaint turned finials. Anearly photograph showed the house to be shingled, with cast iron cresting on all the ridges and with verandahroofs painted in stripes, probably red and white. One regrets the loss of the shingles but not the fussy cresting.The main front away from the river was completely different, a real delight, with elegant bay windows and alarge frontdoor, this being one of the most attractive features of the house, for the simple Gothic tracery ofmullions and frames was unusual and finely detailed. It opened onto a long and spacious hall, with on the rightthe drawing, dining and morning rooms and on the left the bedrooms. All the main rooms were large and airywith bay windows framed in elliptical arches of Gothic detail, while the drawing room had in addition two pairs ofslender glazed French doors flanking the fireplace and opening onto the verandah.Another feature was the set of beautifully pannelled folding doors in an elliptical archway which moved on theoriginal hardware as easily as when first erected.Sadly this beautiful dwelling is no more. Unfortunately the earthquakes of 4th September 2010 and 22ndFebruary 2011 damaged this beautiful building beyond repair and like so many of other dwellings in the area ithad to be demolished for safety reasons, which was a great shame. Hopefully, in the future, new dwellings will beerected in the area with more solid foundations.

Nice Things Happen In Spring

Spring is finally with us after what was an unusually cold winter.Overnight temperatures of minus 2 to minus 5 were common and difficult tocope with .

It was hard to keep warm and those $300 plus power bills stretched every family budget .especially when hefty rate demand notices arrivedfrom the Christchurch City Council in the mail alongside the power bill.

Heat Pumps seem to pump out almost as much cold air as they do hot air, while those with wood burners saw firewood prices go off thescreen.

Spring brings nice things and the site of daffodils bursting into flower all over the city and blossom blooming on the trees certainly puts a springin our step and a smile on our faces .

The Richmond Reserve opposite New World on Stanmore Road is now looking much better with its new childrens play area and many fineplantings which are blooming beautifully .The reserve has good seating and is now a nice spot to stop of for a quiet rest before journeying on.

What happened in September,

Council progressed the Dudley Creek issues Jets hope plans do not become bogged down in red tape and bureaucratic mumble jumble.

Queen Elizabeth 11 became the longest serving monarch in history, she is warmly regarded. Long may she continue to reign.

After what seemed like an endless circus the All Blacks headed to England for the Rugby World Cup .The over hyped team announcement atParliament did neither the Rugby Union nor the Government any favours .I feel by the time the World Cup is over we will all be All Blacked out.

John Key continues to fly in the face of public feeling by promoting the change of flag debate at enormous cost to the taxpayer. Call me oldfashioned but I am firmly in favour of sticking to our current flag .Why not - why do we need to change?.

Dr Duncan Webb earthquake law specialist at Lane Neave wrote a superb article in "The Press" regarding all the EQC/Repair and Insurerissues people continue to face .He is io be commended for the way he is able to break the most complex issues down to a level the averageman can understand .

Anthony Harper progressed their group action against EQC. Many Richmond people are involved in this action ,we wish them all the best andhope that they will soon have an outcome that will allow them to get on with their lives .We extend those sentiments to those people involved inthe various actions against their Insurers.

During September we recalled the first of our major earthquakes .little did we know what was to follow.

On September 11th 2015 it was fourteen years since aircraft were flown into the twin towers in New York in what was to become known as 9/11.

The Arts Festival has been in full swing across the city and has brought many incredibly talented people to our stages and arenas.

The Last Night of the Proms makes a welcome return to the Theatre Royal at the end of this month, if you want to enjoy a really uplifting nightout go to the Proms.

The Canterbury Rugby team is going really well in the NPC ,rugby in Canterbury needed this after a very disappointing Crusaders season.

The Canterbury Bulls league team will be delighted to be back playing at AMI Stadium ,on League the Warriors continued to frustrate theirfollowers with another season that promised much but delivered little. Maybe it will all come together next season.

Netball the Tactix are working to get off the bottom of the ladder and putting together a strong squad for next season while at national level thesport works to find a new national coach after the shock resignation of Wai Taimanou.

Whats been happening on the property front ?

During September the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand released its market report for August 2015 sales.

Sales volume for Christchurch City was 535 sales which was a little down on Julys 574 sales ,the median sale price remained stable at$430,000.

Our broader zone of Dallington, Richmond .Shirley ,St Albans had a busy August with 66 sales at a median sale price of $391,500 which wasslightly down on Julys median of $397,000.

Richmond again recorded a very low median sale price in August at just $304,000 spread over 10 sales.Three of those sales were as is whereis sales .these sales pulled the median sale price back.

Of interest from the national sales figures were the number of sales over $1 million during August 848 or 10 .9%of total sales. Auction continuedto be a popular selling option for many with 1,916 properties sold by auction 24.7%of total sales.

With the sun shining .gardens blooming and very low mortgage interest rates we anticipate the current momentum in the market place willcontinue through summer.

Thinking property share your thoughts with us .

Bill Cornelius

Disclaimer Views and opinions expressed in the Richmond Community News are not necessarily those of the Editor or Avebury House Community Trust.No responsibility is accepted for incorreci information contained in advertisements or editorials. Advertisements for publication are accepted in good faith andpublication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement by Avebury House Community Trust. The Richmond Community News is published monthly byAvebuty House Community Trust, 9 Eveleyn CouzinsAve. Richmond, Christchurch- Telephone 381-6615 or email avebury @xtra.co.nz.