NEWS December 2011:

Like many people in Christchurch, 2011 has been a challenging year for the residents and staff of Avonside House. We have made significant progress in recovering from the February 2011 earthquake, which had a devastating impact upon the Hostel. The Hostel and Offices, along with the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Avonside, were demolished in August/September.

Management staff continue to work between both sites. Karin (Manager) and Karen (Assistant Manager – Residential) are contactable on 379 9656 (Te Orewai Place), Chris (Assistant Manager – Policy & Development) can be reached on 389-8844 and Rachel (Finance Officer) on 389-0549 at Lychgate Close. New office alternatives will be explored in 2012. Please note that the 168 Stanmore Road mailing address is no longer in use. The mailing address for the residents living at the Lychgate Close site is 20 Lychgate Close and 2 Te Orewai Place for those living at the Te Orewai Place site. The Flat on Stanmore Road is no longer run by Avonside House.

The majority of the residents’ smaller possessions were recovered from the Hostel, which has led to some rearrangements in the residents’ bedrooms! Much to the relief of staff and residents, the blue shipping container that stored both office and residential property has now been cleared and removed. Repairs to the sewerage and stormwater problem at Lychgate Close are about to take place. However, permanent power and telephone supply at Lychgate Close will be negotiated in 2012.

The residents are settling into their new routines at Te Orewai Place. Various improvements to Te Orewai Place have occurred, such as the installation of a new telephone and security system, and other improvements are planned.

All of these developments over the last nine months have gradually returned Avonside House back to ‘normality’. An enjoyable camp based in Woodend, including a day trip to Hanmer Springs, was held in September. Bill, our builder who has volunteered his expertise, labour and generosity over the last 13 years to Avonside House, was awarded Life Membership of the Trust in October. More recently, the residents had the opportunity to vote in the General Election onsite.

The residents and staff are looking forward to the Christmas and New Year holiday season. On December 1st a very enjoyable Staff/Trust Board lunch was held at Hinton’s Winery. The Residents’ Christmas Party was held at the Church of St John the Evangelist, 10 St John Street, Woolston at 5pm on Saturday 10th December.

As the year draws to a close we wish to thank those who assisted us during the year, especially in the aftermath of the February earthquake. In particular, we wish to thank members of staff and the Trust Board, as well as families of the residents, who worked extremely hard during this time; Gordon Boxall and Annette Brown from the Ministry of Health for their practical assistance; the Christchurch City Council for the use of portaloos; Roy Hamilton for his structural checks of the buildings; Stu Harding and Richie McCall for their prompt plumbing and electrical work following the earthquake; the Student Army for clearing up the liquefaction; the Canterbury Drain Doctor for their drainage work; and all others that helped us during this difficult time. A special vote of thanks goes to the South Waikato Achievement Centre and the Te Awamutu Residential Trust who provided residential care for the residents during their lengthy evacuation from Christchurch.