By Anna Burns-Francis
On such a sunny, fun-filled day, it was hard for residents of Brooklands redzone to believe they were finally saying goodbye.
For the last 20 years the bi-annual gala has been a chance for families to gather together, but now it is all over and its passing marks the death of a small tight-knit community.
Brooklands is in Christchurch’s redzone which means that all houses will go, and everyone must leave.
For Annette Buxton, the President of the Resident’s Association, it is a day of mixed emotion.
“I guess this is the last one we’ll ever have so it’s a bit of a bitter-sweet sort of occasion. People want to come and enjoy themselves but it’s the last time they’ll come and do this probably,” says Ms Buxton.
And despite being the last gala there were still some first time stall holders.
Former Brooklands property developer John Fowler was there to show residents his idea for a new subdivision nearby, one could keep the community together.
“They can understand where we’ve picked a block of land, the infrastructure’s in place – everyone thinks it’s a good idea,” says Mr Fowler.
The worry of where these Brooklands residents will live is never far away, but today, at least for awhile, they could enjoy one last day together.
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