Octogenarian returns to New World St Martins opening

September 18, 2012

Media Release

Octogenarian returns to New World St Martins opening

Gowan Banbury, who fractured her femur while shopping in the New World St Martins supermarket during the February 22 earthquake, was one of the first shoppers back when the store officially opened this morning.

Assisted by her son Grant Banbury, the 88-year-old lives just along the road from the supermarket and was delighted to be able to return to her “local” supermarket. The February 22 earthquake was not a new experience for Mrs Banbury as she was in the Napier during the 1931 earthquake.

New World St Martins was officially opened by Roper Sutton, chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), also a local of St Martins.

A large crowd attended the opening.

The supermarket is approximately 25% bigger than the last building with 437 grocery bays, more than any other New World in the South Island. It also has 11 full checkouts, two express lanes and seven self-scan areas. There are 253 carparks.

ENDS

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