06-Sep-2010 16:24
By Bruce Hopkins
Thank you to the citizens of our earthquake stricken southern climes. I hosted my overnight talk-back show on the morning of Sunday 5th, 1am-6am. It was the first night following the catastrophic event that has wrecked such havoc upon peoples lives. As I started my show I was aware that the ongoing frequent after shocks would be creating an almost impossible situation for restful sleep to be had for those who were woken the previous morning by the full force of such a major earthquake. The first call was from a woman who was sleeping with her two children in their car. They were parked in the driveway of her mothers unit. Next to them also sleeping in a car was her sister. This was a stunning reminder that there are many lives that are going to be forever altered. The conversations that followed throughout the rest of the show were from people who were on edge, not knowing if the worst was over or if they were yet to experience another destructive blow from mother earth.
Despite this state of unease, each and everyone of the folks who called conveyed a strength of character that was palpable. People were reassured as they heard others expressing their concerns and sharing their experiences of the previous day. There were stories of people who immediately thought of others first, visiting the elderly, those who are disabled, and neighbours, making sure that they were safe. Some called to say thanks for providing a conduit to the outside world and a source of communication throughout the night, as they lay awake anticipating each and every violent blast.
I would like to say THANK YOU, to the callers and listeners who took part in the show, it was humbling to be able to converse with you, your willingness to share your feelings and in doing so support others showed huge courage. I would also like to thank the folks from around the world who sent emails and facebook messages of support for me to read out to the people of Canterbury. When I got into the studio the only notice I was provided, was to keep informing people that we were being broadcast on the frequency of The Breeze from Christchurch as well as our standard frequency. I was also asked to remind folks that there were 2 phone numbers to call and 3 community shelter centres that had been created for people to head to if they were in need of assistance.
I would also like to thank Jason Beaumont, who took over producing the show at 2am. Jason set up conversations with members of the Civil Defence team, Fire Service and Police throughout the morning. It seems these talks provided much comfort to many people who were feeling on edge and very isolated amidst the dark of the night and brutal force of ongoing aftershocks. So, thank you Jason, and thank you to the people of Canterbury, for your courage.