Christchurch was a beautiful city. It was filled with gardens, tree-lined streets, an elegant Cathedral and historic facades. Trams nudged gently through city streets and largely peaceful suburbs stretched to the Port Hills and sweeping Brighton beach.

At 12:51pm, one year ago, Christchurch experienced the greatest natural disaster in New Zealand’s history. Hundreds of victims were unfairly taken from their families, tens of thousands left either without a roof or a home, and hundreds of thousands left affected. We were very fortunate that all we lost were the bricks and mortar of the elegant Caledonian Hall on Kilmore Street; memories from which will live on with us forever.

We were also very thankful that no one from the immediate band had perished, but we are very aware of the effects this event has had on our band members. In particular, we remember the grandparents of band member George Stick – Earl and Beverley Stick – who lost their lives on the 22nd.

One year on, houses are still being rebuilt, people’s lives are still being reclaimed, and businesses are still assessing the impact the earthquakes have had; however, the resilience of the Canterbury people is strong and the rebuild is on track. We were determined to attend the 2011 World Pipe Band Championships, and despite the hardship the band faced, we attended and came within 1 point of qualifying. The band was extremely lucky to have support from various groups and individuals in the United Kingdom who helped us with our trip there, as well as phenomenal support from our local base through fundraising and organising. As well as this, since February 22nd, Richard Hawke has been honoured with an MNZM for services to Piping and Pipe Band, the band gained second at Palmerston North Square Day 2011, the drum corps received a Premier endorsement, our solo pipers have accumulated the most prizes out of any other band in the country put together, and the band has grown in numbers and standard.

We as a band are greatly appreciative to all those from New Zealand and around the world who so generously offered us support – financial and moral – at the time. We still greatly appreciate the efforts which people from around the world went to to help the band even from remote locations. One we would like to thank in particular is the generous support that Pipes|Drums editor Andrew Berthoff offered through a Paypal donation account, which contributed an overwhelming $2500 to our cause. The incredible support we received through other mediums should not be forgotten too – so to all those who did anything for the band during that time, we thank you. To name all of you would just be too greater task.

So, while we remember those who have left us and pay tribute to the hard work still being done, we look to the future with optimism and strength. We are nearing 130 years old as a society, and we are stronger than we have ever been. The band too is in a strong position, and looks set to grow in strength in the near future. We are still committed to the vision we begun with 3 years ago, and the goals we set ourselves every year.

We are so looking forward to competing at Tauranga on the 9th and 10th of March, to honour the lives lost in our city, and to remember those who have given so much to us.

We will rebuild our city, but we will never forget.