Top Show Christchurch and other Awards

Earthquake Changes 2010 - 2011

On September 4th 2010 our groovy old business premises in Manchester St were dealt a mortal blow by a massive earthquake. We were forced to evacuate and find a new site to operate from. Thankfully no-one was hurt! This was helped by the fact that the ‘quake occurred at 4.30 in the morning.

Six weeks later we had fitted out some new premises in High St amongst the café set and were enjoying great support from customers in a somewhat smaller but still beautiful (earthquake strengthened) building.

Then another massive earthquake struck on February 22nd 2011. Amazingly again, no staff were hurt despite deaths occurring from damage in nearby buildings.This time we were denied access to the building for some months and had a very hard time finding alternative premises due to the widespread damage around Christchurch.

Finally we pounced on an old Panel Beating Shop near the South City Mall, and set to work ‘groovying’ it up.

This is a very simple building - a single level, stand-alone, rectangular box - but that is apparently what saved it from serious damage according to the engineers! It has now had its concrete floors polished, its surfaces re-gibbed, new carpet laid, new paint throughout and some quirky antiques attached to its walls!

Our old building in Manchester St was nick-named “Grace”. This humble but faithful replacement building has been dubbed “Johnny”. Please feel free to browse through Johnny’s album and see what a makeover can do for a good working-class boy !