Situation looks grave for coffin club
Members in life or death search for new premises
Katikati Coffin Club members are hoping for divine intervention in their search for new premises. The club wants to continue its craft of making coffins — as well as socialising and discussing death — but they need to exit the Wharawhara Rd shed that has been their clubhouse.
Spokesman John Russell says if they can’t find a place they can’t survive . . . but they’re not giving up the ghost just yet.
They’ve been active on social media and some shed owners have come out of the woodwork, but haven’t been quite right.
They need a venue that is at least double garage size. As an incorporated society, they are able to lease the place.
Russell says the club is one of just three or four nationally. They have more than 300 members and have featured in national documentaries and one by the BBC.
The club is where woodwork enthusiasts can indulge in their craft and there’s a social aspect. The topic of death is sometimes discussed.
“Our whole purpose is to open the discussion on death and dying and we make coffins for our members.”
They’re very light-hearted and practical about death, often leaving death jokes on the club notice board and they’ve named the club barbecue The Crematorium.
“One of the bonuses in being in the club is seeing the reactions when you tell people you’re part of a coffin club,” Russell says.
The club meets once a week on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 12pm. Membership is $10.
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If you can help the club find new premises contact John on 549 4209 or 027 281 7629 or email afactor@xtra. co.nz or coffinclubs.co. nz/katikati