St Anne's Church has reached another milestone and the people of Pleasant Valley plan to celebrate.

The church turns 150 this year, which will be marked in style with a two-day celebration.

The celebrations will get under way with A Day in The Valley on March 9. It will include a tour, exhibition, bush walk, an open day at the old school and playground, talks and home visits.

The day will finish with a tea and dance at the Pleasant Valley Hall from 3.30pm.

Festivities will continue on March 10, at 10.30am, with a service of thanksgiving and celebration. Bishop Victoria Matthews will attend the service to preach and dedicate a commemorative patchwork wall-hanging crafted by Marie Temple.

St Anne's Church, built in 1863, is one of the oldest wooden churches in the Christchurch diocese. It was the second church to be built in South Canterbury.

The building has been repaired over the years and in 1961 was in need of "extensive restoration". In 1962 the National Historic Places Trust helped with the restoration needed. Pit-sawn weatherboards were replaced and the matai flooring was swapped for rimu. Supporting buttresses were also added to the exterior.

Convener Jan Hill has started preparations for the festivities, but requires help from the public.

"We would like photocopies of photos, information for displays about Pleasant Valley life and people's memoirs. People have lovely memories of when they went to school and had bottles of milk," she said. "I'm sure there's a lot of material out there that people could show us that we could put on display."

Mrs Hill said she was also keen to hear from people who could volunteer on either of the two days.

To provide information or to assist with the celebrations email janhill@ihug.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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