Busy summer at the Heritage Park
Many members have been away over the holiday period, but the Park has still been a busy place.
We hosted several visiting miniature railway enthusiasts from Halswell and Brayshaw Park over the Christmas and New Year period and, as usual, they gave our visitors lots of rides on the Mudfish Bush Railway. Work on planning the station buildings and layout continues.
Nick Bennett contracting has finished the new ‘Tracks and Wheels’ shed including concreting the floor. As soon as the lights are installed, we will be able to start moving items of plant in for the display.
In the meantime, the power supply has been completed to the Tracks and Wheels shed including livening the supply to the railway station. That leaves the new Boat Shed as the last item to be connected to the new upgraded power system along the south side of the Park.
A grant from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund through the Westland District Council, has allowed us to let a contract to Henry Adams Contracting to carry out improvements to the yard including some major drainage improvements. The old Hokitika gaol had to be moved to allow the work to proceed. A large crane and transporter moved it to its new home near the Fire Museum. The work has progressed well. The drainage work is complete, and the yard is ready for sealing. That should be completed as soon as weather and resources allow.
The Livery team has been busy with the annual task of dressing the leather. All the many items including saddles and reins have been cleaned and dressed.
Maria and her team have been busy this month. As well as the usual interest in the sewing machines and looms, they have hosted a flower making workshop that attracted a lot of interest. A three-day tapestry workshop is planned for 23 to 25 February. A Wool day to illustrate and demonstrate the wool processes from sheep to finished garment is planned for 23 March.
In the Heritage Centre work has continued on the Dairy display and a big cleanup was undertaken to make way for the aviation display that coincided with the Aviation 100 weekend at the Airport. The Foxmoth aeroplane has been reassembled and repositioned and information boards and videos added.
We have also launched a brand-new website! See our website for how you can get involved, it gives you a little taste for what you’ll want to come see in person.
We are open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays but look out for additional events. Come and see our displays and talk to our members and join us if you like what you see.
Text and images: Westland Industrial Heritage Park
