Nellie Teesdale and Val New at Athenree Homestead, look forward to next Friday's fashion show.
Nellie Teesdale and Val New at Athenree Homestead, look forward to next Friday's fashion show.
Athenree Homestead is hosting a Spring-Summer Fashion Show in association with Ebony Boutique and Waihi Beach Chemist, with proceeds going towards the completion of the extensions of the historical landmark house.
Seventy tickets have been pre-sold for the fashion show to be held next Friday at the Athenree Railway Station tearooms.
The Athenree Railway Station tearooms sit at the rear of the homestead.
Renowned fashion store, Ebony Boutique is a nominee in the 2020 Katikati and Waihi Beach Community Awards, and will supply all the outfits for the models.
Owners, Ebony and Steve Hessey continue the family tradition of Glengyle NZ Knitwear which has been well known for more than 60 years.
Ebony's grandfather, Colin Wakefield, and his brother Neil founded Glengyle in 1951. It produces the Ebony collection of winter merino knits and summer T-shirts which are sold throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Nellie Teesdale, manager of Ebony Boutique at Waihi Beach has seen changes since she started as a retail assistant six years ago. Included was a makeover and the introduction of fresh, new labels.
"Covid-19 brought a new challenge and the directors made significant changes to Ebony's online shopping, which saw increased sales through these tough times. "It's been heartwarming to see people again generally."
The landmark Athenree Homestead was built by pioneers, Hugh and Adela Stewart in 1879.
Ebony Boutique has a strong focus on supporting local and has for the past four years supported the Athenree Homestead Trust fundraiser for the extensions and renovation.
Work on the final part of the restoration started in November 2018. The final part was building five rooms and only the exterior work.
Athenree Homestead Restoration trustee and event co-ordinator, Val New said TECT matched them dollar for dollar to build the extension - $150,000 from them and $150,000 from the trust.
"All the walls and floors have been finished and are now ready for painting, the old range has been installed. We are hoping to get the painting finished over the next two weeks, then we can start to put things into the kitchen."
The old office has been converted back into a bedroom and the schoolroom and bedroom upstairs are also finished.
Athenree Homestead was built by Irish pioneers Hugh and Adela Stewart in 1879 and was a working farmhouse for 30 years up to their departure in 1906.
It played an important role in the history of Athenree and Katikati - the whole area being part of a planned Irish settlement.
The derelict Athenree Homestead in 1968. Photo / Tauranga City Libraries
After the Stewarts' departure, the property had various owners and several rooms of the house became derelict. However, restoration work has been carried out by the Athenree Homestead Trust volunteers and local tradesmen over the years.
With the final part of the restoration complete, Val said the house is now back to its original size as it was in Adela and Hugh's days.
■ Spring/summer Fashion Show, 2pm Friday November 6 at the Station tearooms, 360 Athenree Rd. Tickets available Ebony Boutique, 21 Wilson Rd, Waihi Beach and Waihi Beach Chemist,15 Wilson Rd and cost $20 per person and include refreshments. There will be spot prizes during the show.
