Holding Up A Facade

Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch
A wonderful old building in central Christchurch, the Isaac Theatre Royal was very badly damaged in the earthquakes. As you can see the facade is being supported in ingenious ways, including the now ubiquitous and inescapable concrete filled containers, which have become a normal presence in present day city.

The Theatre Royal is to be restored! at great expense, but will be welcomed with fanfare and open arms, sometime in late 2014.

My visitors and I met up with eight kayaker friends for coffee this morning, as any hopes of paddling had been dashed by an unwelcome cold southerly blast of wind and rain. We had a merry time togther though, and then I drove Al & Brigitte around the CBD. I think they found it a sobering experience - no-one who visits is really prepared for the enormity of all the damage.