BECA heritage week 2009
"DOVES AND DEFENCES"
"Discover Diamond Harbour in Peace and Conflict"23rd - 25th October
The aim of the week's events was to raise awareness of the part Christchurch and its citizens have played in both peace and conflict over the years, and to recognise how this has shaped the City and its heritage.
The Stoddart Cottage Trust held a range of events and exhibitions during the Labour Weekend (23-25 October), to celebrate and raise awareness of the part the local community played during wartime.
Friday 23rd October
Exhibition Preview
John Cleaver (Lyttelton Torpedo Museum) “Life as a Royal Naval Reserve Cadet and experiences at sea"
The opening of the weekends activities was very well attended with over 50 invited guests and Friends Of The Cottage being given a sneak preview of the exhibition held in the cottage.
The exhibition consisted of wartime photo’s, documents and personal items of wartime memorabilia depicting individual stories from the local community. Following welcoming speeches by Trust Members Chris Moore, Maddi Naylor and Annie Baxter, the guests were treated to a wine and light buffet. The evening concluded with a fascinating talk by John Cleaver of the Lyttelton Torpedo Boat Museum, on his wartime experiences and life as naval cadet.
Saturday 24th October
Exhibition
Christine Dann, organic gardening author – discussed "Digging for Victory- The Wartime Kitchen Garden"
Wartime Remembered" - A packed Stoddart Cottage hosted an informal and entertaining guided group discussion, in which locals shared their wartime memories and experiences.
"An Evening at the Movies"
Newsreels from the period
Casablanca - "Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman"
Traditional Ice creams, pop corn and drinks, with entertainment from the Diamond Harbour singers.
Sunday 25th October
Exhibition
"Street Party-Style" Tea and Cakes by Annie Baxter