Anniversary of first four ships' arrival

Nicole Mathewson - 

The Friends of Ferrymead group are celebrating the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the first four ships in Lyttelton today with a shipwreck-themed Victorian supper.

Sailing for over three months from England, the Charlotte Jane anchored at Lyttelton at 10am on December 16, 1850, followed by the Randolph at 3.30pm.

The Sir George Seymour anchored at 10am the following day and the Cressy arrived on December 27.

The ships brought about 800 people to populate the new settlements of Lyttelton and Christchurch.

Friends of Ferrymead president Martin James said about 40 people, dressed in ``Victorian finery'', would gather for a traditional Victorian supper, sea shanties and games.

The group had been celebrating the anniversary for over 20 years and this year's event would have a shipwreck theme to acknowledge damage caused to their building in the Canterbury earthquake.

Chimneys had fallen through the roof of the dining room and kitchen, but the front of the building was still safe to use, James said.

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