Eskdale War Memorial Church to mark Cyclone Gabrielle anniversary with service

Three years on from surviving the floodwaters itself, Eskdale War Memorial Church is hosting a service to remember Cyclone Gabrielle.

The anniversary is on Saturday, February 14, and members of the public have been invited to the church for a quiet moment of reflection.

The church itself is something of a miracle, remaining structurally intact despite the devastation around it following the 2023 event.

At the time it was described as the heart of the community and it was one of the first places people looked to as a symbol of hope.

On Saturday, the church will be open from 1pm to 4pm for anyone who wishes to light a candle, share a cup of tea and connect with others.

At 4pm, the church bell will toll, followed by prayer and a moment of silence.

The Eskdale War Memorial Church stands as a community symbol of survival after Cyclone Gabrielle.

Church board member Linda Paterson said it was important to let people know the church community still cared.

“I don’t know how many people will come, but I think it’s important to have something in case people do want to have a wee moment.”

Paterson said there were mixed emotions across Esk Valley, which suffered extensive damage to homes and businesses.

“There is people who are happy and want to move on, and have moved on, and there is a lot of people who are coping and rebuilding their lives.

“There are people who at this time of year find it difficult.

“People have different responses; there is no right or wrong way to feel about the anniversary.

“Ritual is important and having something that is deliberate to say ‘we remember what we went through, what other people went through, how many people came and looked after us and were there for us and saved us’, all that stuff can’t go unnoticed and unremembered.”

She said they welcomed all members of the community to attend.

“You don’t have to be religious or a believer to come to the church. We have restored it, and it’s this symbol of resilience and strength.”

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.