Photos Of Chokebore Lodge Sought

Photographs of one of the city's oldest domestic buildings, Chokebore Lodge, are being sought.

The lodge, in Racecourse Road, Riccarton, was originally built of earth and timber, and is undergoing a staged conservation programme by its owner, the Christchurch City Council.

The Council wants to erect an interpretation panel at the front of the lodge that includes photographs of outside and inside the lodge. But the Council has few photographs of the lodge and is seeking more from the public.

"We are keen to borrow any photographs of the lodge so we can consider them for use in the interpretation panel," says Parks Unit Education Co-ordinator, Richard Doyle.

Chokebore was built by John Willis, a farmer who came to Canterbury in 1852 from England. In 1856 he bought nearly nine hectares of land from his older brother, George, who had arrived on the Cressy, one of the First Four Ships. John Willis built a two-storey cob cottage that today comprises the main section of the lodge.

In 1874 Chokebore was sold to Henry Redwood, who was a trainer and breeder of racehorses, and so began an association with the racing industry. Redwood named Chokebore after a type of shotgun.

Further information: Richard Doyle: 371 1782 or Jenny May, Senior Heritage Planner: 371 1518.

Sam Fisher Corporate Communication Co-ordinator Christchurch City Council 03 371-1762 025 229 3552

© Scoop Media