From our Canterbury Correspondent…

A bleak cold spring day didn’t stop an enthusiastic group of Banks Peninsula history buffs attending a special function in Akaroa to celebrate the reissue of Gordon Ogilvie’s book Banks Peninsula - Cradle of Canterbury on Saturday afternoon.

This was held in the splendidly refurbished Gaiety Theatre in Jolie Street – the result of some vigorous fundraising by dedicated locals,

Gilbert Glaussius, Chair of the Akaroa Civic trust, chaired the event with much panache and local historian John Wilson, [author of the much sought after Lost Christchurch amongst others], warmly introduced author Gordon Ogilvie who gave a witty and informative talk on how the book came to be, enlivened with some entertaining anecdotes.

The event was hosted by fledgling publishers Phillips & King (pictured right) with fine wines flowing [nothing less would be expected!] and food prepared locally by Akaroa Civic Trust members.

And sales of the book were very healthy with some attendees purchasing multiple copies. The record purchase was 8 copies by one enthusiastic buyer – all individually signed by a tireless author..