Reflecting on the past, celebrating the future | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

People filled the Wainoni Methodist Church to remember those lost in the February 22 quake.

The service, held by Wainoni-Avonside Community Services Trust service, attracted more than 100 people.

When 12.51pm struck there was a two minute silence.

National MP Nicky Wagner and church minister Reverend John Meredith then read out the names of the 185 people who died in the quake, as a candle was lit to symbolise each life lost. People who lost loved ones in the
quake were invited to come up and light a candle. The room was silent.

Wainoni Avonside Community Services Trust community co-ordinator Betty Chapman said the extent of lives lost hit home as the names were read out loud and the candles lit.

``It was overwhelming,'' she said.

Ms Wagner said the day was not only about reflecting on the tragedy of the February quake but also celebrating the future of the city.

``As well as looking back today we also have our eyes firmly forward on the future. We have suffered so
much over the last year but we have to make sure we make the most of the opportunity that comes to build a safer, more people friendly and beautiful city.''

Cashmere resident Bessie Coffey came to the service to honour those lost.  She said, with tears in her eyes, the service was ``very emotional''.

As people left the church to go down to the Avon River to place flowers and petals, they could write a message to tie to the `tree of hope'.

Messages left included: ``The future lives on in the young ones who are left.

``It's a day to look back with sadness and to look forward with hope. A day to remember those we have lost and to be grateful for family and friends that are still here. Kia Kaha.

``It's a sad day but let us remember them and what we have been through and move on to the future.''

Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes as mourners filed down broken Avonside Dr towards the river.

Wainoni resident Margaret Hurley, 71, made origami cranes to place in the river in memory of those who
perished. She also made two ``baby cranes'' for the two babies who died in the quake.

Mrs Hurley said she came to the service to grieve not only for those lost but also the city.

``I feel like crying each time I go through it [the city] really,'' she said.