Probus Club of Worcester (From Worcester News)

Probus Club of Worcester

3:46pm Tuesday 15th November 2011 in Community

THE holiday of a lifetime turned out to be memorable for sad reasons for Probus member Trevor Ward, as he got a little more than he bargained for on an extended tour of New Zealand and Australia earlier this year.

His experiences were told to members at their meeting on November 3.

Having enjoyed touring New Zealand by coach and train, he and his party were waiting to be collected from their hotel in Christchurch to be taken to the airport for the second leg of their holiday.

Unfortunately, this was the day that Christchurch suffered a devastating earthquake, which destroyed much of this beautiful city causing the deaths of more than 180 people.

Their hotel was situated next to the cathedral, where they witnessed with some horror the collapse of the tower of this magnificent building.

Being covered in dust and grit, they feared for their own safety as the aftershock brought down shop fronts and buildings around them.

Eventually, they were escorted to a park where aid agencies supplied them with blankets and food and housed them in a large marquee which had recently hosted a flower show.

During the evening, his party were invited to stay with a New Zealand family in their bungalow where they received great hospitality and understanding.

It was three days before it could be arranged for them to continue their journey to Australia.

Having only the clothes they were wearing after having to abandon their cases in the hotel, Trevor could not praise enough the kindness and selfless attitude of the New Zealand people.

If any good can come out of such a tragedy, he has made new friends for life and keeps in regular contact for what is now developing in Christchurch.

Keith Fieldhouse, in proposing a vote of thanks on behalf of members, congratulated Trevor on the manner in which he had given this talk about such an emotional happening.

Weekly meetings are held at the Environmental Centre, Pope Iron Road. New members are welcome.

Please telephone 01905 820460
R P STEPHENS