2022 | vhcoamaru

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2022

Highland Fling

Daily Events

2.00pm – 4.00pm from 1 November
Visit Janet Frame’s house
Visit Janet Frame’s childhood home to experience the home where she grew to love the written word.
Janet Frame House, 56 Eden Street, Oamaru. $5.00 cash only.

9 November to 13 December
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Thursday 10.00am – 5.30pm
Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 10.00am – 12.30pm
Waitaki Tartan Competition Display
See the entries from the competition to design a Waitaki tartan, under the guidance of MacLean Weavers. Categories range from kindergarten to adults, demonstrating ingenuity, originality and humour.
Oamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

15 to 20 November
Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Portraits of Scottish Migrants
Visit the Vault Gallery to view an exhibition of photographic portraits of Scottish migrants who came to this district. These photographs were collected by the North Otago Early Settlers’ Association and by the Waitaki Archive. While at the Forrester Gallery enjoy exploring this stunning building designed by pre-eminent New Zealand architect and Scottish migrant, Robert Lawson.
Vault Gallery, Forrester Gallery, 9 Thames St. Free.

16 to 20 November
10.0am – 4.00pm
New Zealand Organ Museum Open Days
View the collection of pipe, reed and electronic organs, and items relating to organ playing and building, particularly in New Zealand. Includes instruments and ephemera from the Victorian era.
St. John’s Church, Cromarty Street, Herbert. Free, donations welcome.

17 November to 20 November
10.30am, 12.00pm, 4.00pm
Daily Guided Tours at Teschemakers Resort
Rich in history, Teschemakers Resort is set on 70 acres in beautiful North Otago. Originally purchased in 1860 by William Teschemaker (Dutch for table-maker), an English gentleman of Dutch descent, in 1862 the homestead was built of Ōamaru stone with expansive lawns and lush plantations of English trees. Since then, Teschemakers has served as a Catholic boarding school for girls and a conference and retreat centre for healing, prayer, contemplation, study and reflection. Today, Teschemakers offers elegant accommodation and breathtaking settings for intimate ceremonies through to grand celebrations. Please come and enjoy our beautiful setting.
Teschemakers Estate. Free.

17 November to 20 November
10.00am – 4.00pm
Customs House Gallery: A showcase of everything arty
Art set in the beautiful heritage Category 1 1870’s Customs House Building, showcasing artists at work, children’s exhibition creative art (7yrs – 14yrs) and our heritage themed exhibition. Browse our shop and gallery - paintings by local artists, pottery and jewellery, sculptures and handmade miniature books, printed silk scarves and many other pieces of art.
Customs House Gallery, 29 Tyne Street. Free.

Wednesday 16th November 2022

10.00am – 11.45am
Ships, Sheep & Grain Walking Tour
From open roadstead the Ōamaru Harbour welcomed migrants, livestock and building materials from the 1840s. With breakwater and wharves built; wool, grain and frozen meat was exported to the world until the Port of Ōamaru officially closed in 1970. Servicing the town and district these Ōamaru stone buildings of merchants, bankers and millers tell stories of yesterday & today.
Meet on corner of Harbour St & Wansbeck St. $30.00 per person. Book through Helen at helenstead18@gmail.com and bring cash on the day, or book and pay at Rose’s General Store in Tyne St or online at rosesoamaru.co.nz.

10.00am – 2.30pm
Ōamaru Steam and Rail Workshop Open Day
Explore the inner workings of the Ōamaru Steam and Rail Workshop. See how things are made and maintained to keep these historic engines running around the Harbour.

Steam and Rail Workshop behind Steampunk HQ, 1 Harbour St Ōamaru. Paper note donation

10.00am - 4.30pm
Crafting with a Scottish Theme
Drop into the library with your children to try some crafting including making your own Scottish family crest.
Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

12.15pm – 1.00pm
Women’s Club Choir and Friends
Lunchtime concert at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet St. Gold coin donation.

Thursday 17th November 2022

10.00am – 10.15am
Bagpipe Opening
A Scottish piper will ‘pipe-in’ library patrons and visitors as the library opens.
Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

10.00am – 11.30am

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Morning Tea

Tours & teas at this historic Victorian farm, which features restored buildings and heritage sheep breeds. Watch and listen for tales of (or from!) the four Great Scotsmen of Totara Estate. Enjoy our famous scones! Totara Estate, 565 Alma-Maheno Rd. $25 Adults, $20 Students and Gold Card, $15 Heritage NZ Members, $10 Children. Booking recommended, phone 03 4331269 or email on totaraestate@heritage.org.nz.

10.00am – 11.45am

Ōamaru’s Classical Architecture Walking Tour

Conservation historian Helen Stead takes you under, through and past some of Ōamaru’s magnificent historic buildings; linking classical and humble structures created by artisans and pioneers rejoicing in the local availability of easily worked limestone giving historic Ōamaru its distinctive character. Meet at 1 Thames St. $30.00 per person. Book through Helen at helenstead18@gmail.com and bring cash on the day, or book and pay at Rose’s General Store in Tyne St or online at rosesoamaru.co.nz.

10.00am – 12.00pm

Scottish Genealogy Workshop

Come and find out about researching your Scottish family history at this drop-in session with members of the Ōamaru Branch, New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG). Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

10.00am – 1.00pm

Clarks Flour Mill Guided Tour

Be intrigued by true tales of the Scottish settlers at the 19thcentury Clarks Flour Mill. Operating at 11.30 am. Come an hour before operating for guided tour Clarks Mill, Maheno, 12 kms South of Ōamaru on SH. $15 Adults, $10 Students and Gold Card, Free for Heritage NZ Members.

10.00am – 3.00pm

Traditional Tartan Weaving Demonstration

Our weaving shed near the Heritage Precinct will be open daily during the celebrations. Experience how tartans are woven traditionally on our c1895 cast iron Hattersley looms - no electricity, only person power! Visit www.mcleanandco. nz for details on our work. 37 Greta St. Free.

10.00am – 4.30pm

Crafting with a Scottish Theme

Drop into the library with your children to try some crafting including making your own Scottish family crest. Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

10.30am - 11.00am

Toddler Time for your Wee Bairns

Join Fiona for Scottish themed stories and fun for younger children. Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

11.00am - 12.00pm

Scottish Stories.

Exhibition Floor Talk Join Curator Henry Buckenham for fascinating tour of the Museum sharing some of the stories of Scottish migrants who made their homes in the Waitaki. Waitaki Museum & Archive, 60 Thames St. Free.

12.15am – 1.00pm

Waitaki Girls High School Choir

Lunchtime concert at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet St. Gold coin.

2.00pm – 3.00pm

What’s Happening at the Junction Hotel?

This Oamaru landmark, built in 1874, on the corner of Wansbeck and Towey Streets, is being brought back to life. Come and view recent progress – upstairs and downstairs. Tickets $20 with proceeds going towards ongoing restoration. Book and pay at Rose’s General Store 5 Tyne St or online at rosesoamaru.co.nz.

2.00pm – 3.30pm

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Scottish Genealogy Workshop

3.30pm – 4.30pm

What’s Happening at the Junction Hotel?

6.00pm – 7.00pm

Newest Edinburgh: The Scots in New Zealand

Emeritus Professor Tom Brooking (University of Otago) will speak about Scottish Migration to New Zealand focussing on where Scots came from in Scotland, who they were, where they went to in Aotearoa and their special contribution to the making of a new colony in comparison with Scottish contributions elsewhere. Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne St. Free

7.30pm

Whisky Tasting - New Zealand v Scotland

Come and learn about the art of making, and more importantly … tasting whisky! Sample drams of New Zealand’s finest whiskies alongside some beautiful malts all the way from Scotland. Who will come out on top? You decide! Ōamaru Opera House, 94 Thames St. $45pp. Tickets online at https.//Ōamaruoperahouse.co.nz/whats-on/ or through the Opera House Ticket Office

7.30pm

Hypnosis, by David Tristram

Hypnosis follows the Great Gordo, an alcoholic stage hypnotist, in the twilight of his career. He randomly chooses Alan Briggs as his next stooge, Briggs a mild mannered policeman is a good sport, the audience laughs and everyone goes home. For Gordo, it’s just the end of another show and time for a drink or three before bed, but someone out there has other ideas, extraordinary ideas. The mind games begin, the stakes are raised and we sense there can only be one winner, but who? Ōamaru Repertory Theatre, 15 Itchen St. $20pp, students $10pp, groups of 10 or more, $15pp. Book at tickets@ oamarurepertory.co.nz and pay on the night (box office opens for door sales one hour before the performance), or book and pay online at rosesoamaru.co.nz. You can also book and pay in person at Rose’s General Store, 5 Tyne St.

Friday 18th November 2022

09.30am - 11.00am

Scottish Settlers’ Ball Practice

For those who wish to learn or practice the dances for the Charity Ball. The dance list may be found on Wild Haggis Protection Society Facebook page. Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne St. Gold coin donation appreciated

10.00am - 11.30am

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Morning Tea

10.00am – 12.00pm

Piping Hot Morning Tea at Ōamaru Opera House

Reel on in to the Opera House for some delicious Scottish treats. Thistle be the best morning tea in town. Opera House Café & Bar, 90 Thames St, refreshments as priced.

10.00am - 12.00pm

Cafe Promenade

Stroll the streets and study the displays of the Window Display Competition in the shop windows and join in the Logo Hunt. Remember to sample the fare at our local cafes, especially the Competition Scones! Thames St. Promenade is free, refreshments as priced!

10.00am – 2.00pm

Morning tea/Elevenses

Call into the Early Settlers’ Hall for delicious treats from Mrs Beeton’s kitchen with tea, coffee, or a small glass of Madeira in celebration of Queen Victoria’s 200th birthday. Try your hand at Victorian parlour games, or just relax and have a chat. Early Settlers’ Hall, 1 Severn St. $7pp book and pay online at www.vhc.co.nz or cash at the door.

10.00am – 3.00pm

Traditional Tartan Weaving Demonstration

10.00am - 4.30pm

Crafting with a Scottish Theme

Drop into the library with your children to try some crafting including making your own Scottish family crest. Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

10.30am – 3.30pm

North Otago Floral Arts Display

Come and see St Luke’s Church (est.1865) which towers over lower Thames St, filled with wonderful floral art displays that set off the majesty of this historic building and the beauty of the stained glass windows. St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St. Gold coin.

12.15pm – 1.00pm

Variety Concert

Lunchtime concert at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet St. Gold coin.

1.00pm

On the Origins of Exercise

Exercise for the sole purpose of improving the physical body was a concept that originated in the Victorian era. Learn all about the people, the discoveries, and the equipment that started the ‘movement’ in this fun and interactive lecture. Movement Hub, 7 Harbour St. Gold coin.

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Forrester and Lemon Memorial Lecture

Please check our website and Facebook page closer to Heritage Week for this year’s speaker and topic. Inkbox Theatre, Ōamaru Opera House, 94 Thames Street. Free.

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Steel Bicycle Ride on Waimate Cycle track

Join us as we drive to Waimate to ride vintage bicycles on the Waimate Cycle track. Return to Ōamaru the same day. Waimate Velodrome, Botanical Gardens, Waimate. Free.

2.00pm – 3.30pm

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

1.30pm – 3.30pm

Croquet in the Gardens

Have a go at the popular Victorian pastime of croquet, with assistance from Awamoa Gardens Croquet Club members. Ōamaru Public Gardens, Chelmer St. Free.

2.30pm – 4.00pm

Victorian Garden Party

Enjoy the delightful elegance of the ever popular Victorian Garden Party at the Ōamaru Public Gardens. Partake of light refreshments and entertainment while admiring the costumes.

Ōamaru Public Gardens, Chelmer St. Free entry, gold coin for refreshments.

4.30pm – 5.30pm

What’s Happening at the Junction Hotel?

This Oamaru landmark, built in 1874, on the corner of Wansbeck and Towey Streets, is being brought back to life. Come and view recent progress – upstairs and downstairs.

Tickets $20 with proceeds going towards ongoing restoration. Book and pay at Rose’s General Store 5 Tyne St or online at rosesoamaru.co.nz.

7.30pm

Hypnosis, by David Tristram

8.00pm to late

Scottish Settlers’ Ball

Mr John Campbell Gilchrist invites you to a traditional Scottish Ball to celebrate his triumph of becoming the first Mayor of the Borough of Ōamaru, such as would have been held in his birthplace of Argyleshire. Tonica will provide music and classic Scottish fare will be served through the evening. A variety of liquid refreshments may be purchased. Dress code. formal Victorian ball attire or dress uniform. Tartans encouraged. Limited places, booking essential. No door sales. Ballroom opens at 7.30pm. Grand March commences at 8pm. Tickets $75 + admin fee from heritagedanceoamaru@gmail. com or text 0274242664.

Saturday 19th November 2022

8.00am – 1.00pm
North Otago Vintage Car Club Swap Meet

Enter your vintage, classic car or hot rod in the Show & Shine. Hot food and coffee available.
Site holders’ entry from 7am - $15 including 1 free entry.
A & P Showgrounds, 2 Ettrick St. $5 per adult, children under 15 FREE.

8.30am – 3.00pm

Highland Dancing Competitions

Local highland dancing competitions St Paul’s Church Hall, Wear St. Free.

9.30am – 4.00pm

Steel Bicycle Heritage Celebration Display

Vintage bicycle display and lots of events on the precinct streets in the afternoon. For visitors this is a great chance to see a collection of stunning old bicycles from about 1910 to 1990. These include a number of racing bikes once raced by some of our top cyclists. Ōamaru Badminton Hall, Tyne St. Free.

10.00am - 12.00am
Crafting with a Scottish Theme
Drop into the library with your children to try some crafting including making your own Scottish family crest.
Ōamaru Public Library, 62 Thames St. Free.

10.00am – 2.30pm

Grandma’s Treasures Sale

A range of Grandma’s treasures have been dusted off for sale - come and see what delightful piece of china or art you might like to purchase! Home-made preserves and baking are also for sale, and a Victorian morning tea is available while you contemplate your purchases. St Luke’s Hall, behind St Luke’s Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St.

Free entry, morning tea $5, cash only please.

10.00am – 3.00pm

Traditional Tartan Weaving Demonstration

10.30am – 3.30pm

North Otago Floral Arts Display

Come and see St Luke’s Church (est.1865) which towers over lower Thames St, filled with wonderful floral art displays that set off the majesty of this historic building and the beauty St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St. Gold coin.

11.00am – 2.30pm

Ōamaru Steam and Rail Trip

Welcome aboard the vintage train that will take you on a return trip from the Harbourside Station to the Quarry Siding in the harbour area. Train leaves at 11.00am, 11.45, 1.00pm, 1.45pm and 2.30pm. Weather dependent. Tickets at Harbourside Station, pedestrian access via Itchen St. Adults $12, children under 16 $5, children under 5 free. Family (2 adults + 2 children) $28. EFTPOS available.

12.00am – 1.00pm

Grand Street Parade & Photo Opportunity

Everyone is invited to join (if in costume), or to watch, the Grand Street Parade as it travels through the Victorian Precinct and lower Thames Street. Victorian costumes, machinery, fun and frivolity. Do you, or an organisation you belong to, want to take part? Contact ovhcommittee@gmail. com if you would like to join the Parade. Cnr Wansbeck St & Harbour St. Free.

1.00pm – 3.30pm

Heritage Bicycle Championship

New Zealand’s foremost heritage cycling event promises high drama, attracting wheelmen (and women) from all around the globe to take part in sprints, slaloms, relays, slow races, and the ghastly Tyne Street Grunter. Riders, collect your entry forms from the club trailer on Tyne Street prior to 1pm. All riders are encouraged to wear traditional riding attire and the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Prize-giving for each race for will be held after each event’s championship race. Enquiries to Ōamaruordinary@gmail. com or 027 2931059. Harbour St. Free.

1.00pm – 4pm

Masonic Lodge Open Afternoon

Lodge Ōamaru Kilwinning has just celebrated 150 years of their Scottish history and Freemasonry in Ōamaru. Come on in and meet a Freemason, look around, enjoy the architecture, ask a question, relax with some Scottish style refreshments. Masonic Lodge, Wansbeck St. Gold coin.

2.00pm – 3.00pm

Victorian Influences on Janet Frame’s writing

Join us at Janet Frame’s childhood home to hear Ralph Sherwood read excerpts from Victorian prose and poetry. Janet Frame was inspired by many authors who wrote during the Victorian era, so this is a unique opportunity to experience some of those influences while immersed in the home where she grew to love the written word. Janet Frame House, 56 Eden St. $10pp cash, refreshments incl.

2.00pm – 3.30pm

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Clarks Flour Mill Guided Tour

Be intrigued by true tales of the Scottish settlers at the 19thcentury Clarks Flour Mill. Operating at 3pm. Come an hour before operating for guided tour. Clarks Mill, Maheno, 12 kms South of Ōamaru on SH1. $15 Adults, $10 Students and Gold Card, Free for Heritage NZ Members.

2.00pm

Ōamaru Challenge Cup Rowing Race

Promenade around the Harbour to the skirl of the pipes, then watch the high drama of the Ōamaru Challenge Cup, a race between local rowers and the NZ Navy. The crews will be racing in the Scott’s Own Sea Scout’s cutters around the inner harbour and each will be crewed by six rowers and a coxswain. Enjoy an afternoon of family activities at Friendly Bay beach, and cheer on our local crew. Note: time will depend on tides. Check at www.vhc.co.nz for final time. Friendly Bay & Ōamaru Harbour. Free.

2.00pm

Hypnosis, by David Tristram

3.30pm – 4.30pm

Victorian Fashion Show

Crinolines, Bustles, and Suits, oh my!! The fashions of the Victorian Era will evolve before your eyes as elegant ladies and dapper gentlemen take to the catwalk. From crinolines to bustles, to the puffiest of puffed sleeves, find out what trends reigned supreme when Victoria was Queen. Miss Temby invites fashionable ladies and gentlemen to take part - please register your interest at misstemby@gmail.com before 10th November. Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne St. Limited numbers, $5pp book and pay online at www.vhc.co.nz or cash at the door.

5.00pm – 6.00pm

What’s Happening at the Junction Hotel?

8.00pm to late

Ceilidh

Join us for a night of fun and old-fashioned dancing. Let your hair down and have a knees-up until the midnight hour. Dunedin’s Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will provide the music and call the dances to help you romp through the evening. A light supper will be served and liquid refreshments can be purchased (cash bar). Victorian dress encouraged, but not required. Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne St. $45pp, limited numbers, book and pay online at www.vhc.co.nz.

Sunday 20th November 2022

9.30am - 10.30am

Mass at St Patrick’s Basilica

Victorian dress optional. All welcome. 68 Reed St. Free.

9.30am – 3.00pm

Steel Bicycle Heritage Celebration

Display and Swap Meet Vintage bicycle display (open to the public) and swap meet. For visitors this is a great chance to see a collection of stunning old bicycles from about 1910 to 1990. These include a number of racing bikes once raced by some of our top cyclists. Ōamaru Badminton Hall, Tyne St. Free.

9.45am - 10.25am

Organ Recital

Enjoy the magnificent sound of the organ at the historic St Luke’s Anglican Church, as Dr Ron Newton plays a selection of music that would have been popular in the Victorian era. You are welcome to stay for the heritage service that follows (see below). St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St. Free.

10.00am – 3.15pm

Ōamaru Steam and Rail Trip

Welcome aboard the vintage train that will take you on a return trip from the Harbourside Station to the Quarry Siding in the harbour area. Train leaves every 45 minutes, starting at 10.00 am. Last trip 2.30pm. Weather dependent. Tickets at Harbourside Station, pedestrian access via Itchen Street. Adults $12, children under 16 $5, children under 5 free. Family (2 adults + 2 children) $28. EFTPOS available.

10.00am – 4.00pm

Network Waitaki Victorian Fete

The Network Waitaki Victorian Fete is a day jam-packed with fun for the whole family. You will be thrilled with the incredible Victorian costumes, street performers, magicians and stilt walkers around every corner, ensuring the day is one to remember. Come along and join in all the fun of the fair! Dress up in your Victorian best and support a great cause - this event is the annual fundraiser for the Ōamaru Whitestone Civic Trust with proceeds going towards preserving New Zealand’s best collection of Victorian heritage buildings here in Ōamaru. Harbour St. Entry at gate $10 for adults, under 18s FREE.

10.00am

Heritage Service

St Paul’s Presbyterian Church 5 Coquet St. Free.

10.30am - 11.30am

St Luke’s Anglican Church Heritage Service

Dress up in your finery and enjoy a church service that moves from Victorian liturgy to modern times, followed by a Victorian morning tea. St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St. Free.

11.45am – 3.30p

North Otago Floral Arts Display

1.00pm – 3.00pm

Clarks Flour Mill Guided Tour

Be intrigued by true tales of the Scottish settlers at the 19th century Clarks Flour Mill. Operating at 2pm. Come an hour before operating for a guided tour. Clarks Mill, Maheno, 12 kms South of Ōamaru on SH1. $15 Adults, $10 Students and Gold Card, Free for Heritage NZ Members.

2.00pm – 3.00pm

Totara Estate Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

Tours & Teas! Watch and listen for tales of (or from!) the four Great Scotsmen of Totara Estate. Enjoy our famous scones! Totara Estate, 565 Alma-Maheno Rd. $25 Adults, $20 Students and Gold Card, $15 Heritage NZ Members, $10 Children. Booking recommended, phone 03 4331269 or email on totaraestate@heritage.org.nz.

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Hypnosis, by David Tristram

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Headstones and Stories Walking Tour

Conservation historian Helen Stead’s final event on the Celebrations’ calendar is a walk through the old cemetery. Laid out in denominational blocks and sections, stories of individuals, family and district endeavour, live on through carved names and dates inscribed in stone. Meet opposite 63 Greta St. $20.00pp. Book through Helen at helenstead18@gmail.com and bring cash on the day, or book and pay at Rose’s General Store in Tyne St or online at rosesoamaru.co.nz.

2.45pm – 3.30pm

Victorian Hymn Singing at St Luke’s Church

Come along and join us as we sing a range of hymns from Victorian times - Ancient and Modern, Wesleyan, and Revival - while Ron Newton plays the Bechstein grand piano. St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr of Tees St & Itchen St. Free.

7:30pm