1931 Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea

1931 Earthquake Survivors Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea will again be served to survivors of the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake at a special event in February.

“We are looking forward to hosting our special guests, the senior citizens from across Hawke’s Bay who survived this life changing event, and helping them to meet old friends and share memories,” says Napier City Deputy Mayor Faye White, who coordinates the event.

At the Sunday 1 February 2015 event, earthquake survivors will also enjoy live music from the era, a display of earthquake photos, the traditional cutting of the Mayor’s cake by the oldest and youngest survivors, and a talk by a guest speaker.

Tony Paine, the Secretary- General of NZ Red Cross has kindly agreed to be the guest speaker at the afternoon tea. New Zealand Red Cross will be commemorating their 100th anniversary. Following the 1931 earthquake, the country’s Red Cross organisations (which had operated under British Red Cross) become the NZ Red Cross.

The afternoon tea will be hosted again by Napier Boys’ High School at their main Henderson Hall in Chambers St. The event is jointly organised by Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Art Deco Trust, Hawke’s Bay Red Cross, and Napier Boys’ High School. Many local businesses and organisations assist by sponsoring food and equipment.

Invitations will be sent out in early January to earthquake survivors who have attended the afternoon tea in previous years.

“We’d welcome any earthquake survivors who have not previously been to the afternoon tea, and they or family members can contact Napier City Council to be added to the guest list,” says Cr White.

Earthquake survivors’ carers and family are also welcome to attend.

At the event on 1 February, Red Cross volunteers will welcome guests and issue them with replica evacuee name tags. Parking and disabled access is available, the Art Deco Trust guides are available to assist guests where needed and first aiders will be in attendance.

The earthquake survivors’ afternoon tea has been served for about 15 years after being generously started by volunteers. It is now an established part of the 1931 Earthquake commemoration calendar.

ENDS

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