From Friday 29 November through to Sunday 1 December, people gathered to share memories and celebrate this significant milestone. Noeline Watson tells us more...

There was much good feeling over the two days of celebration, which extended into the first Sunday of Advent. The weather played the game for the Friday evening get together in church and garden ; the company turned up and the conversations about old and new were plenty.   

With it’s beginning heralded by the bagpipes music from Merv Gunn  and Duncan  Mathers out in the garden, the  celebration service led by Damon Plimmer on Saturday afternoon was a “goosebump” one; the organ , played by Mark Wilson from Queenstown, was almost busting out all over and the singing  was glorious.

During the service there was participation from people who have come from distances to be here with us for the weekend. The Beck family from Auckland, Rory Redmayne from Christchurch, Ngaire Bartley from Riverton, Bonnie Miller-Perry from Christchurch all played a part, and the chorus of St Andrew’s ladies sang us a  treat of harmony during the administration of Eucharist.

There will be more photos to come later ; in the meantime here are a few to make you wish you had been here!

Have a look at previous articles with more historic background...

• Article 1: Beginnings

• Article 2: Copycats

• Article 3: Strengthening

• Article 4: Changes