Bevington Street, Avonhead - 10th Anniversary By Pam Templeton
This year we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of our group.
We have been very fortunate in using Malcolm’s large backyard that has plenty of space for our gatherings.
We are proud to still be going strong and to know each other much better.
At the beginning, we had name tags to help introduce each other, but now there is always a buzz of recognition as people arrive.
Neighbourhood Support Canterbury gave great support to set up the group. After the initial meeting, two people volunteered to be the co-ordinators. They set up the current co-ordinators rotation system. Each year one co-ordinator stands down and a new one comes on board. This means that everyone shares responsibility for the group and are more willing to take on the co-ordinator role as it is only for a short time. Each year we have two get-togethers, one in November and one in February. Generally, one is an afternoon tea while the other is a barbecue. People bring food to share on both occasions.
As we began meeting a year before the first earthquake, we had begun to connect with each other and were better able to look out for others and give help as needed. Neighbours have supported each other through tragedy and we have celebrated engagements, birthdays and even a 60th wedding anniversary. We are privileged to have people with diverse cultures and languages, and are able to support those who are still learning the English language. Over the years, our meetings together have fostered a real sense of community with people supporting one another in many ways. Page 13