Lacemaking with Janet Macrae

Last Sunday, we hosted a hosted a lacemaking demonstration and display with Janet Macrae (pictured in the middle with Jean Watt, left, and Shirley Froude, right). Janet has been making lace since she was a young girl back in England. Her extensive collection of handmade and machine made lace from around the world and far back in time was on display as well.

Lacemaking is a fine art that has been around for centuries. It looks very complicated, but Janet assured us it was easy once we got the hang of it. The lace bobbins flowed through her nimble fingers like water and was fascinating to watch. She answered all our questions and was very encouraging. She is an excellent teacher. We had two people have a go at making lace themselves on a beginner sample that she had prepared - even a very willing 12-year old boy had a go.

We had a nice crowd attending as it coincided with the All Ford car show day over at Holt Park.

If you are interested in lacemaking or want to get in touch with Janet, drop us a line.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Lace Demonstration and Display

This coming Sunday, 27 Feb, the Otautau Museum is hosting Janet Macrae who will demonstrate the fine art of lacemaking. Janet will also have on display selected pieces of homemade lace (antique and modern) from her private collection as well as offer the opportunity for those interested to have a go at lacemaking themselves.

Janet's previous demonstrations and displays have included an extended exhibition at the Southland Museum last year.

Entry is by gold coin donation. Doors open at 2pm and will only stay open until 4pm, so make sure you don't miss this great opportunity to learn about lacemaking and even have a go at it yourself.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Scottish Piper

Today, the museum was treated to the timeless sounds of a single bagpiper, straight from Glasgow. John McGlen is visiting our fair town and offered to play for the museum. Unfortunately, I wasn't there and missed the photo opportunity. But I understand he'll be back next Sunday to play again for us.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

All Ford Classic Car Day

The Museum will have a table at the All Ford Classic Car Day at the Sports Complex next to Holt Park, Sunday, 28 Feb. We're bringing a special object which has just been donated. We weren't sure of its 'official' name but we think we know what it was used for. Come by and have a look. We'll also have a digital picture display of historical photographs. Hope to see you there.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!

Probus at the Museum

We had about 40 men (and one woman) from the Winton Men's Probus Group at the Museum on Monday. After a short presentation, a delicious morning tea was provided by Betty Barkman. Also on hand were Graham Barkman and John Low, the display managers of the Museum.

The visitors looked around at the new installation Bayswater - Gladfield which is about the history of farming settlement of those areas. I had also pulled out some things from storage such as our 1899 copy of 'The Otautau Mail' and some medicine bottles from Sinclair's Chemist shop. We also had a croquet dress, possibly from the 1940s, and the scrapbooks from the Otautau Branch of Women's Division of Federated Farmers. Lots of comments and interesting discussion ensued as people worked their way through the building. To be in the Courthouse surrounded by lively conversation is always a really gratifying experience.

Before long it was time for our Probus friends to get on the road to their next destination. The weather was quite cold. We thanked them for being with us, wished them a safe trip and waved goodbye.

If you are interested in a presentation about the Museum plus morning or afternoon tea, just drop us a line. We are more than happy to oblige.

We're open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm, and by request. Your comments are always welcome!