Restored cottage at BushTown open

Liz Bennetts (left), of Christchurch, and Pamela Lee, of Temuka, who was part-owner of the...
Liz Bennetts (left), of Christchurch, and Pamela Lee, of Temuka, who was part-owner of the original Arthurs Point Hotel in Central Otago, enjoy their picnic at the Waimate Edwardian celebrations on Saturday. Photo: David Bruce
A start has been made on a collection of houses at Waimate's BushTown with the opening on Saturday of a historic cottage transported to the historic park for restoration.

The door to the two-bedroom cottage, built in Parsonage Rd in 1879 by Frederick and Matilda Lane for them and their nine children, was opened by their granddaughter Margaret Prue after she had cut a ribbon.

In 2008, with husband Harold, she donated the cottage, almost derelict on its original section at 95 Parsonage Rd, to the Waimate Edwardian Heritage group.

At the weekend, the group held its 10th annual Edwardian Celebrations, which included a picnic at BushTown on Saturday during which the cottage was unveiled.

It gave Mr and Mrs Prue a chance to see the extensive work carried out on the cottage, which was decorated in Edwardian style, including a mantel clock that was in the house originally.

Edwardian group president Sandra Coles said the official opening of the cottage was an important day for the group. Its volunteers had been working on the cottage since it was given.''

After many years of fund-raising and work, the cottage is finally here to be enjoyed by everyone now and in the future,'' she said.

BushTown deputy chairman Martyn Jensen said the cottage marked what he hoped would ''be a procession of housing among the sawmills and buildings'' at the park.''

I look forward to the future when more houses will follow,'' he said.

Waimate deputy mayor Sharyn Cain said Waimate was extremely lucky to have so many volunteers and organisations prepared to put their visions forward and keep the area alive.

The Edwardian celebrations, with this year's theme recalling 10 years of the event, started on Friday night with a soiree at the Criterion Hotel.

On Saturday, the picnic attracted a big crowd, many dressed in appropriate Edwardian clothing, and included vintage cars, highland dancing and lavish picnics..

BushTown Burgers were in big demand and the cooks ran out.

On Sunday night, the Grand Tour Dinner and entertainment was held at Criterion Hotel.

A church service yesterday concluded the celebrations.

david.bruce@odt.co.nz

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