CHB Mail

Fantasy Cave goes into recess

- Sue Emeny

The mammoth task of packing up Dannevirke’s iconic Fantasy Cave has begun.

The Fantasy Cave is in recess while new premises are built, meaning all the displays in its current High St location have to be dismantled, packed away and stored.

The cave was to have closed on Saturday March 28 but had to go into recess earlier because of the Covid19 lockdown.

It is hoped the cave will reopen within 18 months to two years.

The Fantasy Cave Board made the decision to seek its own premises after discoverin­g that meeting fire safety and health and safety regulation­s for a building warrant of fitness would cost between $80,000 and $100,000.

Plans for the new building are soon to be released and the board hopes to keep the project as local as possible.

Board secretary Liz Edwards said people could go to the cave’s Facebook page for progress updates.

She said board members, the Cave Dwellers committee and volunteers were spending Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm, packing up the cave, but more volunteers were needed.

“Anyone wanting to help would be welcome and can contact Denise Eagle on 06 374 6257 to go on the roster.”

Meanwhile the board is working hard to keep the vibe of the cave going. “We are stressing that the cave is going into recess, not closing down,” board chairman Grant Hurrell said.

 ?? Photos / Sue Emeny ?? Joan Jameson is a new volunteer who is helping pack up the Fantasy Cave displays.
Photos / Sue Emeny Joan Jameson is a new volunteer who is helping pack up the Fantasy Cave displays.

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