High tea draws the crowds to factory
Members of the Ongaonga Historical Society say they were were thrilled with the turnout at their recent High Tea event.
More than 130 people enjoyed live music and home baking in the grounds of the historical village on a sunny Sunday.
Event organisers and historical society members Rita Scheltema and Debbie Schaw said the event was successful beyond their dreams.
“A sizeable contribution was raised to assist in our efforts to get the Coles Factory restoration project off the ground,” they said.
“It was fantastic to see the support we received from both locals and people who travelled a distance.
“It was also lovely to see guests who had made an effort to dress in period outfits.”
The Coles Factory, built in 1878, is the only historical joinery factory in New Zealand.
It has a Heritage NZ category 1 protection and the Historical Society wants to restore it, at an estimated cost of $150,000.
The society will make a Lotteries application later in the year, but needs to raise 30 per cent of the restoration funds first.
The successful inaugural Ongaonga Village Fete, held in 2019, was the first Coles Factory fundraising event and not only raised money for the project but also raised the profile of Ongaonga Village.
The positive feedback for the High Tea event has prompted the Historical Society to organise another fundraising High
Tea event on Sunday March 29.
The cost is $12 and both the Coles Factory and the Historical Village are open for guests to wander through. High Tea will be available from 10.30am -2pm.
The society thanked Suzanne from Miss Frou Frou, Havelock North for donating the use of hireware and the Orange Book Band for the live music at the event.