Condolences on the Earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand

In my capacity as Chairman of the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign I sent a letter of condolence to the people of Christchuch, New Zealand in the wake of the tragedy they have suffered as a result of the earthquake that hit yesterday. Many readers of my blog have been supporters of the campaign so I wanted to share my letter to His Excellency Mr Derek Leask, the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London:

Your Excellency,

In keeping with my close association with that great New Zealander, Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, it is with great sadness that I write to you to express my own condolences and those of my colleagues at this most difficult and dark time for New Zealand.

The large casualty list and the extensive damage suffered by Christchurch and its people have profoundly shocked everyone here in the United Kingdom.

Earthquakes are often dramatic events, but to have one occur in the midst of a busy city in the middle of the day is doubly catastrophic.  To me one of the most dramatic pictures is of that symbol of faith and continuity, the 130 year old cathedral, minus its spire.

Many people here will have friends and relatives in New Zealand, which will make the tragedy even more poignant.  Yet in their hearts they know that the people of Christchurch and the authorities there will shoulder their tragic losses and remake and rebuild their city in the true manner of New Zealanders in adversity.

In that vein may I send my utmost support to the rescue teams, the fire fighters, the medical services, and indeed everyone else as they cope with the aftermath and the aftershocks.  I am glad to read too that a 62 man search and rescue team from this country is already on its way out there to assist where they can.

Your Excellency, I am once again deeply shocked and touched by another environmental tragedy in New Zealand.  It has been made worse by the fact that there was an earlier quake last September.  I would therefore be grateful if you would convey my condolences and heartfelt thoughts to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Mayor of Christchurch and the people of that city.

Yours sincerely,

Terry Smith
Chairman, the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign

Comments

[James]

Very sad indeed to see such tragic news unfolding from New Zealand.

Condolences from a campaign supporter, who met some lovely New Zealanders in London on 15 September.

[Ian Baylis]

Thanks Terry. Its a very dark period in New Zealand's history. With the continued aftershocks and death and injury, it is not far removed from what Londoners faced during the blitz (and other parts of England). We have to endure as those brave folk did.

[David Starkie]

Terry - Thank you for taking the initiative on this and I would like to take the opportunity to add a personal condolence in the light of this tragic event. On my return to the UK I will be signing the Book of Condolence at New Zealand House. David Starkie

[Matthew Whitaker]

Terry – I am part of the organising team for a bike ride to raise funds for the New Zealand earthquake. On Sunday 22 May 2011 we will be cycling from London to Christchurch (Christ Church, Oxford). We currently have about 70 riders and if anyone else would like to get involved (riding, sponsoring or helping out) click here http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FromLondontoChristchurch Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187607231276945 or email mattheww_nz@yahoo.co.uk

Kind regards

Matthew Whitaker
07931 171 756

[mattress reviews]

Impressive blog! -Arron