Open House
Invercargill’s Anderson House is back in business as a venue for community events, and hundreds took the chance to revisit the long-closed old building at the weekend. Closed after earthquake safety concerns eight years ago, the house formerly used as a public art gallery was reopened on Saturday after extensive repairs, drawing an unofficial headcount of about 500 visitors and already a couple of event bookings. Anderson House Trust chairperson Craig Macalister acknowledged that there was still ‘‘a bit of a journey’’ ahead to fund further improvements to facilities, including kitchen and toilets. But the team of volunteers – who would welcome newcomers to their ranks – were pleased to have reached the point where they could reopen the doors. The house would be opened for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm.