When I first moved to Christchurch, one of the first thing I did was take a red bus to the square. I was told that I should look up and check to see where the Port Hills were, then I wouldn’t get lost. I looked up and saw what looked like a crown. It turned out to be the top of The Press office. There were cinemas and pubs around the edge of the square, but ChristChurch Cathedral dominated the space. The Cathedral was an oasis and I think I admired every statue and stained glass window.
Over the years I have visited the Square and the Cathedral many times. I was there in Februrary 2011. The Festival of Flowers was in full swing and I was taking photos of the floral exhibits.
In December last year, I took a walk to Cathedral Square. I couldn’t get over how different was. It was quiet, even though the walkway was crowded. The trees towered over the ruins of the Cathedral and The Press building was gone. Shops, pubs, cafes and banks, all empty, all ruined and many to go. As we stared at the Cathedral, we were pleased that no one died there, but a few tears were shed over our Square.
Last night, Gerry Brownlee announced that the walkway will open for two weekends starting this weekend. It will give us another chance to see the square and the Cathedral. Although some buildings are in ruins and will go, I am very glad to have had the chance to enjoy them.
