#digitalonlyimageinarchive — Public Fediverse posts

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History, 1910-1930

Orepuki or Aropaki (Garfield, Hirstfield) - Town & District Schools History:

The school at Orepuki (or originally Aropaki) has an interesting background, as does the township. In 1872 the first school in the area was established, and ended up being run under the name of Garfield-Orepuki School, in the newly moved township of Garfield. The Otago Education Board who were the oversight for the new school at Orepuki, used its “difficult and remote location” to justify not visiting the school to do the usual reports on the building and teaching.

The roll in the beginning was just 16 children, but by the time the first year was out, the roll stood at over 30 students, and kept growing steadily from its opening date. This made the school itself too overcrowded and unsuitable and it was to be rebuilt twice – the first time four years after it opened, when the original building was turned into the schoolhouse for accommodation of teaching staff. As it was one of the first of many buildings eventually erected in the township, many district events were held on the site and in the building, which doubled as a public hall, dance hall, and even a church.

The second school also proved inadequate, and it was replaced again by a much larger three roomed affair, but this was not to remain where it was either, even though it was the last building to be moved from the Garfield site. Fascinatingly, miners ended up digging a rich vein which led them right to the School Reserve in the Gully. The school land plus that of the whole township was mined, after a resolution was reached with the Education Board for the miners to pay to move the school!

By 1874 a School Committee was formed, in line with the requirements of the Education Act. This was made up of the following men: Chairman, D Hunter; Secretary, JL Currie; plus - J Callaghan, H Creasey, R Cupples, TH Devonshire, AJ Jolly, FH McLean, and R Riddle.

An interesting news report from 1882 tells us the school was closed (again!) and that this was a regular occurrence over the last three years. More details emerge about the rain “driving in through the windows like a shower bath”, leading to all the children having to be moved away from the back. It was also noted that there was a current contract let for repairs to the schoolhouse at this time.

After Garfield was demolished by gold mining, the school was forced to relocate to the third and final resting place of the ever moving local township, which came about from its closeness to the local coalmining works and the 1885 railway connecting the two. After the railway opening, the newly erected town of Orepuki was to grow and prosper beyond all belief over the next 20 years with around 3,000 people living there at the height of its existence. By 1900 there was a huge township, which necessitated the continual enlarging of the local public school. The photo shown here is of the old school after it had got its 3 room extensions built.

But after the gold dried up and coal mining being overtaken by the Nightcaps companies, along with the Shale Works closing in 1902, most of Orepuki became deserted again. It became only the farming community that stayed on to support the township in its fight for survival. Of course, the school was also affected, as it was downsized considerably. It somehow struggled on over the years though and stayed open. Over the 1-4 of Feburary 1934, is when the Orepuki School had its 50th year Diamond Jubilee. We would love some photos of this event.

The newest Orepuki School was not built until 1968 and it was erected directly behind the old prior moved school. The old building was then taken down. From this point on, children in the Orepuki township and district could attend their local school only up until the old Standard Four, at which time they had to then bus to the Aparima College in Riverton, which had the old Forms 1-7.

For many years the Orepuki School, which somehow managed to carry on, continued to contribute its students to Riverton’s new Aparima College. But in 2003 the school at Orepuki was finally closed. But this did not end the controversy over getting children from Orepuki to school safely. In 2017 it was reported that plans to move the school bus stop had been withdrawn, after Aparima College, Riverton Primary School and Waiau Area School had agreed to leave the current stop where it was.

But then in 2018 there was continued angst from the residents about plans to move the school bus stop yet again. W...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737132/source

#Settlers #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Farming #EarlyTravel #School #Education #OrepukiOrAropaki #GarfieldAnd #Gold #Mining #Railways #ShaleWorks #OtagoEducationBoard #SouthlandEducationBoard #Nightcaps #Aparima #Churches #TownHalls #TimberMilling #SchoolBuses #Waiau #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Ōtautau - Township Businesses- Central Garage, Froude's Ownership, March 2020

Prior to the current owners today (2022) Central Garage was owned by Graeme & Shirley Froude, father of present owner Keith Froude and his wife Thelma. The family have owned the garage since 1973.

These photos were taken by myself (the digitising archivist of this new community heritage project) and they were snapped during the first Covid Lockdown in early 2020 to show the effects of the pandemic on the local businesses in Ōtautau. I felt it was important as a community historian and archivist, to preserve the events of the pandemic for future generations to observe the changes in life for us all. I always say that today's events are tomorrow's history so thought I had better practise making sure that I collected as much as possible of it. I note as the garage now sports a lovely sunshine yellow paint, all the Covid posters strangely compliment the bright colour palette of the building!

Of note, as someone who worked in the vicinity of this building for around 6 years, usually the doors are open and the yard is full of vehicles being serviced. As the Covid Lockdown only allowed for "essential services" to remain open, many businesses including this one saw a large downturn in work and customers, although in rural areas like ours, this was less, due to the continuing necessity of maintaining the agricultural industry, which our district and town heavily relies on.

It is of note that this building has one of the oldest histories of any in the township. The site started off as the towns very first General Store in 1876, run by Robert Campbell for many years. It has now been made into a Motor Garage for most of it's long life, with a range of different names and owners. More can be seen about this in a prior entry on its history under CWA.159.105.010 so look out for this that.

Some of the earlier owners and garage names are recalled by Peter Campbell, a grandson of one of the town's early residents as being:
JH Thomas & Co
Norman Guise
Bob Buchanan
Western District Motors
Tom Milburn
Frank Hazlett
George McMillan
Jack Anderson
R (Bob) L Thomson
Bill Ireland
And finally the Froude family it is still currently owned by.

Information above is researched by and copyright under a CC BY Licence to “Between River & Stream”, early history of Ōtautau book, and is kindly gifted by that project to our online community archive so everyone can view it.

This account will definitely be added to, as we have had quite a few people from the district continue to donate quantities of photo and record documents to the archive, which we are extremely privileged to have been gifted to share with you all. Time constraints alone at this moment, have prevented all of these from being shared right now.

However, if you or anyone you know has got any more photos, information or accounts of this building, the varying Motor Garages run from here over the years, or on any aspects of business or community life that has taken place here, make a comment in the space provided under the image page. Please let us know if you have more records to add to these, so we all benefit. Kia ora, thank you.
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/50737078/source

#Settlers #Agriculture #Murihiku #Pioneers #Southland #Fuel #MotorGarages #GeneralStores #TransportOrVehicles #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive

Borland Lodge Pottery School - Wynnis & Judith, "Besties", various years

Photos of Borland Lodge area, taken by tutors & students at classes:

Image 1 - Judith Day at the front is showing how to put on a very ‘proper’ look, all while making pottery! (We are unsure of the other person, can you help?) Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1980
Image 2 - Wynnis helping out a fellow pottery student in the class. Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1985
Image 3 - Judith Day (left) and Wynnis Wesney (right) in the Borland Lodge Pottery School kitchen, 1991

Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney, both of the OPC or Ōtautau Potters Club were well remembered by all the still living tutors as marvellous hosts and cooks. Zola Ayson, another OPC member and one-time Secretary, recalls how herself plus Judith and Wynnis used to run the kitchen at the Pottery Schools.

In fact, several of the old Pottery School tutors remarked on the hospitality shown to them by Wynnis, who would put the tutors up at her house, both before and after the week long school. Steve Fullmer recalls bunking in a cosy room with fellow tutor David Griffith and enjoying the quaint town of Otautau, a far cry from the bustling America Steve had left. Darryl Robertson also recalls being cared for extremely well and bunking up with fellow Tutor, Ross Richards at Wynnis Wesney's in her spare room and you can read more below and in the 1988 year entry, the year Darryl tutored at the school.

Interestingly, both Wynnis and Judith's daughters spoke of growing up next door to each other, with their mum's being best friends and the children also having a lot to do with each other. There was apparently a gate through the garden from one property to the other, and if 'mum' was not at home, she could always be found at her next door best friends!

Best friends, next-door neighbours, and pottery club pals – Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney - These two would feed the crowd and joyfully join in the fun and feels. All part of the beauty of the Borland experience. Pot and RIP Judith and Wynnis, you lovely ladies, you are very much missed, by your pottery mates and especially your families. We hope you are both honoured by this commemoration done in your names.

Also on the same street at one time, was another past Secretary of the OPC, Jan Lowrey. The 'girls' (Wynnis & Judith's daughters) remember the Ōtautau Potters Club Christmas hi-jinks taking place here some years. We are hoping to still get photos of this too, they could be very interesting!

CLASS ATTENDEE CONTRIBUTIONS:
"The meals are my drawcard!" announced previous Invercargill potter Frank Checkets, who in 1986, had attended 5 of the 8 Borland Lodge Pottery Schools so far. This was proof that not all the students only came for the potting. NOTE: Frank was also a willing carpenter, ready to lend a hand to built shelters for the many kilns erected over the years, often to keep the sun out, not the rain as once might suspect.

"I am not sure about all the people who were involved with setting up the Borland Pottery School but I do remember Wynnis [Wesney] and Judith Day. They also visited me in Tasman some years ago. The huge organisation and initiative it takes to create a legend like the Borland Lodge Pottery School is amazing and I am grateful to have been a small part of it. So many of my friends and colleagues in NZ pottery have also shared the experience.” Steven Fullmer - Borland Pottery School Tutor

“A small crew of about 6 core people as I recall who put it the massive planning together, did a stellar job. Wynnis Wesney’s place where we stayed and Judith Day next door are two who spring to mind, with Peter Johnson. But there were others… who worked hard and organised so much in order for these events to happen. The kiln building and firings by the awesome Peter Johnson always on hand.

At the end of the school Wynnis took us back to her place and Ross and I had a bit of a rest, then we went on tour in the car. It was such lovely end to the week, a quiet restful drive right though Tuatapere and around the centre bush a wonderful loop. Those who needed the real rest were those Otautau wonder people who made something special happen in those years." Darryl Robertson – Borland Pottery School Tutor

MID-WEEK DAY OFF:
One of the highlights of the week long Borland Lodge School Pottery Classes was the Wednesday ‘Day off’, where they students could do whatever they wanted. Many went off to explore the surrounding wilderness, hiking up trails to lakes and rivers or mountain peaks. Others would sit quietly at the Lodge and ...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/52946257/source

#BorlandLodge #BorlandPotterySchool #BorlandBush #WesternSouthland #Arts #NativeBush #NatureWalks #NatureActivities #Social #JudithDay #WynnisWesney #PotterySchool #AotearoaNzPotters #Central #PotteryClubs #WaiauDistrict #Pottery #Nature #KilnBuilding #Ceramics #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive #DigitalNZ

Borland Lodge Pottery School - Wynnis & Judith, "Besties", various years

Photos of Borland Lodge area, taken by tutors & students at classes:

Image 1 - Judith Day at the front is showing how to put on a very ‘proper’ look, all while making pottery! (We are unsure of the other person, can you help?) Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1980
Image 2 - Wynnis helping out a fellow pottery student in the class. Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1985
Image 3 - Judith Day (left) and Wynnis Wesney (right) in the Borland Lodge Pottery School kitchen, 1991

Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney, both of the OPC or Ōtautau Potters Club were well remembered by all the still living tutors as marvellous hosts and cooks. Zola Ayson, another OPC member and one-time Secretary, recalls how herself plus Judith and Wynnis used to run the kitchen at the Pottery Schools.

In fact, several of the old Pottery School tutors remarked on the hospitality shown to them by Wynnis, who would put the tutors up at her house, both before and after the week long school. Steve Fullmer recalls bunking in a cosy room with fellow tutor David Griffith and enjoying the quaint town of Otautau, a far cry from the bustling America Steve had left. Darryl Robertson also recalls being cared for extremely well and bunking up with fellow Tutor, Ross Richards at Wynnis Wesney's in her spare room and you can read more below and in the 1988 year entry, the year Darryl tutored at the school.

Interestingly, both Wynnis and Judith's daughters spoke of growing up next door to each other, with their mum's being best friends and the children also having a lot to do with each other. There was apparently a gate through the garden from one property to the other, and if 'mum' was not at home, she could always be found at her next door best friends!

Best friends, next-door neighbours, and pottery club pals – Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney - These two would feed the crowd and joyfully join in the fun and feels. All part of the beauty of the Borland experience. Pot and RIP Judith and Wynnis, you lovely ladies, you are very much missed, by your pottery mates and especially your families. We hope you are both honoured by this commemoration done in your names.

Also on the same street at one time, was another past Secretary of the OPC, Jan Lowrey. The 'girls' (Wynnis & Judith's daughters) remember the Ōtautau Potters Club Christmas hi-jinks taking place here some years. We are hoping to still get photos of this too, they could be very interesting!

CLASS ATTENDEE CONTRIBUTIONS:
"The meals are my drawcard!" announced previous Invercargill potter Frank Checkets, who in 1986, had attended 5 of the 8 Borland Lodge Pottery Schools so far. This was proof that not all the students only came for the potting. NOTE: Frank was also a willing carpenter, ready to lend a hand to built shelters for the many kilns erected over the years, often to keep the sun out, not the rain as once might suspect.

"I am not sure about all the people who were involved with setting up the Borland Pottery School but I do remember Wynnis [Wesney] and Judith Day. They also visited me in Tasman some years ago. The huge organisation and initiative it takes to create a legend like the Borland Lodge Pottery School is amazing and I am grateful to have been a small part of it. So many of my friends and colleagues in NZ pottery have also shared the experience.” Steven Fullmer - Borland Pottery School Tutor

“A small crew of about 6 core people as I recall who put it the massive planning together, did a stellar job. Wynnis Wesney’s place where we stayed and Judith Day next door are two who spring to mind, with Peter Johnson. But there were others… who worked hard and organised so much in order for these events to happen. The kiln building and firings by the awesome Peter Johnson always on hand.

At the end of the school Wynnis took us back to her place and Ross and I had a bit of a rest, then we went on tour in the car. It was such lovely end to the week, a quiet restful drive right though Tuatapere and around the centre bush a wonderful loop. Those who needed the real rest were those Otautau wonder people who made something special happen in those years." Darryl Robertson – Borland Pottery School Tutor

MID-WEEK DAY OFF:
One of the highlights of the week long Borland Lodge School Pottery Classes was the Wednesday ‘Day off’, where they students could do whatever they wanted. Many went off to explore the surrounding wilderness, hiking up trails to lakes and rivers or mountain peaks. Others would sit quietly at the Lodge and ...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/52946257/source

#BorlandLodge #BorlandPotterySchool #BorlandBush #WesternSouthland #Arts #NativeBush #NatureWalks #NatureActivities #Social #JudithDay #WynnisWesney #PotterySchool #AotearoaNzPotters #Central #PotteryClubs #WaiauDistrict #Pottery #Nature #KilnBuilding #Ceramics #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive #DigitalNZ

Borland Lodge Pottery School - Wynnis & Judith, "Besties", various years

Photos of Borland Lodge area, taken by tutors & students at classes:

Image 1 - Judith Day at the front is showing how to put on a very ‘proper’ look, all while making pottery! (We are unsure of the other person, can you help?) Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1980
Image 2 - Wynnis helping out a fellow pottery student in the class. Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1985
Image 3 - Judith Day (left) and Wynnis Wesney (right) in the Borland Lodge Pottery School kitchen, 1991

Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney, both of the OPC or Ōtautau Potters Club were well remembered by all the still living tutors as marvellous hosts and cooks. Zola Ayson, another OPC member and one-time Secretary, recalls how herself plus Judith and Wynnis used to run the kitchen at the Pottery Schools.

In fact, several of the old Pottery School tutors remarked on the hospitality shown to them by Wynnis, who would put the tutors up at her house, both before and after the week long school. Steve Fullmer recalls bunking in a cosy room with fellow tutor David Griffith and enjoying the quaint town of Otautau, a far cry from the bustling America Steve had left. Darryl Robertson also recalls being cared for extremely well and bunking up with fellow Tutor, Ross Richards at Wynnis Wesney's in her spare room and you can read more below and in the 1988 year entry, the year Darryl tutored at the school.

Interestingly, both Wynnis and Judith's daughters spoke of growing up next door to each other, with their mum's being best friends and the children also having a lot to do with each other. There was apparently a gate through the garden from one property to the other, and if 'mum' was not at home, she could always be found at her next door best friends!

Best friends, next-door neighbours, and pottery club pals – Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney - These two would feed the crowd and joyfully join in the fun and feels. All part of the beauty of the Borland experience. Pot and RIP Judith and Wynnis, you lovely ladies, you are very much missed, by your pottery mates and especially your families. We hope you are both honoured by this commemoration done in your names.

Also on the same street at one time, was another past Secretary of the OPC, Jan Lowrey. The 'girls' (Wynnis & Judith's daughters) remember the Ōtautau Potters Club Christmas hi-jinks taking place here some years. We are hoping to still get photos of this too, they could be very interesting!

CLASS ATTENDEE CONTRIBUTIONS:
"The meals are my drawcard!" announced previous Invercargill potter Frank Checkets, who in 1986, had attended 5 of the 8 Borland Lodge Pottery Schools so far. This was proof that not all the students only came for the potting. NOTE: Frank was also a willing carpenter, ready to lend a hand to built shelters for the many kilns erected over the years, often to keep the sun out, not the rain as once might suspect.

"I am not sure about all the people who were involved with setting up the Borland Pottery School but I do remember Wynnis [Wesney] and Judith Day. They also visited me in Tasman some years ago. The huge organisation and initiative it takes to create a legend like the Borland Lodge Pottery School is amazing and I am grateful to have been a small part of it. So many of my friends and colleagues in NZ pottery have also shared the experience.” Steven Fullmer - Borland Pottery School Tutor

“A small crew of about 6 core people as I recall who put it the massive planning together, did a stellar job. Wynnis Wesney’s place where we stayed and Judith Day next door are two who spring to mind, with Peter Johnson. But there were others… who worked hard and organised so much in order for these events to happen. The kiln building and firings by the awesome Peter Johnson always on hand.

At the end of the school Wynnis took us back to her place and Ross and I had a bit of a rest, then we went on tour in the car. It was such lovely end to the week, a quiet restful drive right though Tuatapere and around the centre bush a wonderful loop. Those who needed the real rest were those Otautau wonder people who made something special happen in those years." Darryl Robertson – Borland Pottery School Tutor

MID-WEEK DAY OFF:
One of the highlights of the week long Borland Lodge School Pottery Classes was the Wednesday ‘Day off’, where they students could do whatever they wanted. Many went off to explore the surrounding wilderness, hiking up trails to lakes and rivers or mountain peaks. Others would sit quietly at the Lodge and ...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/52946257/source

#BorlandLodge #BorlandPotterySchool #BorlandBush #WesternSouthland #Arts #NativeBush #NatureWalks #NatureActivities #Social #JudithDay #WynnisWesney #PotterySchool #AotearoaNzPotters #Central #PotteryClubs #WaiauDistrict #Pottery #Nature #KilnBuilding #Ceramics #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive #DigitalNZ

Borland Lodge Pottery School - Wynnis & Judith, "Besties", various years

Photos of Borland Lodge area, taken by tutors & students at classes:

Image 1 - Judith Day at the front is showing how to put on a very ‘proper’ look, all while making pottery! (We are unsure of the other person, can you help?) Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1980
Image 2 - Wynnis helping out a fellow pottery student in the class. Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1985
Image 3 - Judith Day (left) and Wynnis Wesney (right) in the Borland Lodge Pottery School kitchen, 1991

Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney, both of the OPC or Ōtautau Potters Club were well remembered by all the still living tutors as marvellous hosts and cooks. Zola Ayson, another OPC member and one-time Secretary, recalls how herself plus Judith and Wynnis used to run the kitchen at the Pottery Schools.

In fact, several of the old Pottery School tutors remarked on the hospitality shown to them by Wynnis, who would put the tutors up at her house, both before and after the week long school. Steve Fullmer recalls bunking in a cosy room with fellow tutor David Griffith and enjoying the quaint town of Otautau, a far cry from the bustling America Steve had left. Darryl Robertson also recalls being cared for extremely well and bunking up with fellow Tutor, Ross Richards at Wynnis Wesney's in her spare room and you can read more below and in the 1988 year entry, the year Darryl tutored at the school.

Interestingly, both Wynnis and Judith's daughters spoke of growing up next door to each other, with their mum's being best friends and the children also having a lot to do with each other. There was apparently a gate through the garden from one property to the other, and if 'mum' was not at home, she could always be found at her next door best friends!

Best friends, next-door neighbours, and pottery club pals – Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney - These two would feed the crowd and joyfully join in the fun and feels. All part of the beauty of the Borland experience. Pot and RIP Judith and Wynnis, you lovely ladies, you are very much missed, by your pottery mates and especially your families. We hope you are both honoured by this commemoration done in your names.

Also on the same street at one time, was another past Secretary of the OPC, Jan Lowrey. The 'girls' (Wynnis & Judith's daughters) remember the Ōtautau Potters Club Christmas hi-jinks taking place here some years. We are hoping to still get photos of this too, they could be very interesting!

CLASS ATTENDEE CONTRIBUTIONS:
"The meals are my drawcard!" announced previous Invercargill potter Frank Checkets, who in 1986, had attended 5 of the 8 Borland Lodge Pottery Schools so far. This was proof that not all the students only came for the potting. NOTE: Frank was also a willing carpenter, ready to lend a hand to built shelters for the many kilns erected over the years, often to keep the sun out, not the rain as once might suspect.

"I am not sure about all the people who were involved with setting up the Borland Pottery School but I do remember Wynnis [Wesney] and Judith Day. They also visited me in Tasman some years ago. The huge organisation and initiative it takes to create a legend like the Borland Lodge Pottery School is amazing and I am grateful to have been a small part of it. So many of my friends and colleagues in NZ pottery have also shared the experience.” Steven Fullmer - Borland Pottery School Tutor

“A small crew of about 6 core people as I recall who put it the massive planning together, did a stellar job. Wynnis Wesney’s place where we stayed and Judith Day next door are two who spring to mind, with Peter Johnson. But there were others… who worked hard and organised so much in order for these events to happen. The kiln building and firings by the awesome Peter Johnson always on hand.

At the end of the school Wynnis took us back to her place and Ross and I had a bit of a rest, then we went on tour in the car. It was such lovely end to the week, a quiet restful drive right though Tuatapere and around the centre bush a wonderful loop. Those who needed the real rest were those Otautau wonder people who made something special happen in those years." Darryl Robertson – Borland Pottery School Tutor

MID-WEEK DAY OFF:
One of the highlights of the week long Borland Lodge School Pottery Classes was the Wednesday ‘Day off’, where they students could do whatever they wanted. Many went off to explore the surrounding wilderness, hiking up trails to lakes and rivers or mountain peaks. Others would sit quietly at the Lodge and ...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/52946257/source

#BorlandLodge #BorlandPotterySchool #BorlandBush #WesternSouthland #Arts #NativeBush #NatureWalks #NatureActivities #Social #JudithDay #WynnisWesney #PotterySchool #AotearoaNzPotters #Central #PotteryClubs #WaiauDistrict #Pottery #Nature #KilnBuilding #Ceramics #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive #DigitalNZ

Borland Lodge Pottery School - Wynnis & Judith, "Besties", various years

Photos of Borland Lodge area, taken by tutors & students at classes:

Image 1 - Judith Day at the front is showing how to put on a very ‘proper’ look, all while making pottery! (We are unsure of the other person, can you help?) Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1980
Image 2 - Wynnis helping out a fellow pottery student in the class. Borland Lodge Pottery School, 1985
Image 3 - Judith Day (left) and Wynnis Wesney (right) in the Borland Lodge Pottery School kitchen, 1991

Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney, both of the OPC or Ōtautau Potters Club were well remembered by all the still living tutors as marvellous hosts and cooks. Zola Ayson, another OPC member and one-time Secretary, recalls how herself plus Judith and Wynnis used to run the kitchen at the Pottery Schools.

In fact, several of the old Pottery School tutors remarked on the hospitality shown to them by Wynnis, who would put the tutors up at her house, both before and after the week long school. Steve Fullmer recalls bunking in a cosy room with fellow tutor David Griffith and enjoying the quaint town of Otautau, a far cry from the bustling America Steve had left. Darryl Robertson also recalls being cared for extremely well and bunking up with fellow Tutor, Ross Richards at Wynnis Wesney's in her spare room and you can read more below and in the 1988 year entry, the year Darryl tutored at the school.

Interestingly, both Wynnis and Judith's daughters spoke of growing up next door to each other, with their mum's being best friends and the children also having a lot to do with each other. There was apparently a gate through the garden from one property to the other, and if 'mum' was not at home, she could always be found at her next door best friends!

Best friends, next-door neighbours, and pottery club pals – Judith Day and Wynnis Wesney - These two would feed the crowd and joyfully join in the fun and feels. All part of the beauty of the Borland experience. Pot and RIP Judith and Wynnis, you lovely ladies, you are very much missed, by your pottery mates and especially your families. We hope you are both honoured by this commemoration done in your names.

Also on the same street at one time, was another past Secretary of the OPC, Jan Lowrey. The 'girls' (Wynnis & Judith's daughters) remember the Ōtautau Potters Club Christmas hi-jinks taking place here some years. We are hoping to still get photos of this too, they could be very interesting!

CLASS ATTENDEE CONTRIBUTIONS:
"The meals are my drawcard!" announced previous Invercargill potter Frank Checkets, who in 1986, had attended 5 of the 8 Borland Lodge Pottery Schools so far. This was proof that not all the students only came for the potting. NOTE: Frank was also a willing carpenter, ready to lend a hand to built shelters for the many kilns erected over the years, often to keep the sun out, not the rain as once might suspect.

"I am not sure about all the people who were involved with setting up the Borland Pottery School but I do remember Wynnis [Wesney] and Judith Day. They also visited me in Tasman some years ago. The huge organisation and initiative it takes to create a legend like the Borland Lodge Pottery School is amazing and I am grateful to have been a small part of it. So many of my friends and colleagues in NZ pottery have also shared the experience.” Steven Fullmer - Borland Pottery School Tutor

“A small crew of about 6 core people as I recall who put it the massive planning together, did a stellar job. Wynnis Wesney’s place where we stayed and Judith Day next door are two who spring to mind, with Peter Johnson. But there were others… who worked hard and organised so much in order for these events to happen. The kiln building and firings by the awesome Peter Johnson always on hand.

At the end of the school Wynnis took us back to her place and Ross and I had a bit of a rest, then we went on tour in the car. It was such lovely end to the week, a quiet restful drive right though Tuatapere and around the centre bush a wonderful loop. Those who needed the real rest were those Otautau wonder people who made something special happen in those years." Darryl Robertson – Borland Pottery School Tutor

MID-WEEK DAY OFF:
One of the highlights of the week long Borland Lodge School Pottery Classes was the Wednesday ‘Day off’, where they students could do whatever they wanted. Many went off to explore the surrounding wilderness, hiking up trails to lakes and rivers or mountain peaks. Others would sit quietly at the Lodge and ...
Central and Western Murihiku Southland Archive via DigitalNZ

http://api.digitalnz.org/records/52946257/source

#BorlandLodge #BorlandPotterySchool #BorlandBush #WesternSouthland #Arts #NativeBush #NatureWalks #NatureActivities #Social #JudithDay #WynnisWesney #PotterySchool #AotearoaNzPotters #Central #PotteryClubs #WaiauDistrict #Pottery #Nature #KilnBuilding #Ceramics #DigitalOnlyImageInArchive #DigitalNZ