Every month seniors are invited to a van outing exploring all parts of our city with a café stop off en route.

The Van Outing is an opportunity for those who perhaps don’t have a car of their own or who are on their own and don’t get the opportunity to go for a drive much, or simply want to explore our city in the company of others.

I always remember the Sunday drives with my parents when I was a child. Even then I found it interesting peering out the window, looking at the houses and scenery whizzing by.

Last week, we took a drive through the Christchurch Red-Zone, stopping to look at the plaques on the corner of Retreat Rd and Patten Street, which told the stories of some of the local residents during the February earthquakes. People really enjoyed it and said how ‘good it was to see the red zones looking in much better shape.

We then headed to Kaiapoi and had a drive through their red zone area before stopping for a lovely afternoon tea at Weekend in Paris Café, where we enjoyed some tasty treats and lots of laughter. One of the group even scored a bag of coffee grounds for her garden!

Our next outing will be a drive through Sumner stopping at the Tannery for afternoon tea. If you would like to join us please contact the Office to book in. The date is Thurs 19 November. The van leaves at 1.30pm from the St. Barnabas car park. The cost is $5 per person this is to cover petrol costs. Please book at the Parish Office by phoning 351 7064.