Take a step back in time this weekend
The Pioneer Village will come to life this weekend - literally.
Blacksmiths, wood turners, bowyers and more will be in working their trades on Sunday for the village’s annual Family Fun Day.
Raewynn Hodge, the vice chairman of the Pioneer Villiage Society, said the day really did bring the village to life for the whole family to enjoy.
‘‘We have our resident wood turner and blacksmith and the print shop is up and running now too - they do a lot of stuff over there,’’ Hodge said.
‘‘They will actually make little things with children’s names on that they can stand and watch them.’’
The day often widens the eyes of the younger generation. ‘‘Those trades, I mean now people do them as hobbies,’’ Hodge said. ‘‘Kids don’t get to see those things, they wouldn’t know how those things worked or what was the purpose.
‘‘Back in the day when they were actually used, people’s lives depended on those things.’’
Because of this, the children usually get a chance to interact.
‘‘That’s the whole idea really, trying to show as much as we can,’’ Hodge said. ‘‘We’ve got a woodchopping team, there’s going to be vintage cars in the morning from 10-12, there’s vintage machinery going to be here and a bowyer - a bow maker.’’
Some people even dress to the 1850-1950s theme - Hodge is one of them, and she encourages other to do the same.
‘‘I’ve got a lovely costume that I made a couple of years ago it’s actually dated about 1890, even if I say so, it’s rather gorgeous.’’
Hodge said the village train ran non-stop on the open day, and even overheated last year.
‘‘It goes around the outside of the village,’’ she said. ‘‘The train is a real favourite for everybody not just kids.’’
The Pioneer Village is based in Stratford and offers 10 acres of Taranaki heritage.
The Family Fun Day is being held on October 22 from 10am4pm.
Hodge encouraged families to bring along a picnic to enjoy the village for a nice day out.
‘‘It’s lovely down here on a summer’s day - there’s all the green behind the buildings here and the lake.’’
The regular charges apply on the day. Adults $12, seniors $10, children $5 and a family of two adults and up to four children for $5.