A bit about our history
The inaugural meeting of Waikaka Arts & Crafts was held on July 5th, 1976 when 19 locals decided to form a group fostering arts and crafts in the Waikaka community. It would provide a gathering place where we could meet and enjoy shared interests. Office bearers were elected and among the usual rules in forming a club, it was decided christian names only and no gossip to be discussed.
The initial subscription was set at $10 to provide a start-up fund. We were fortunate to be able to rent the old shop on the main street, owned by Bill Sutherland, at a nominal rate and set about making it a usable space. Pottery was the first craft demonstrated and shortly after a pottery wheel was obtained. Tables and chairs were donated including a large table gifted from the old Gore Hospital, and welcome monetary assistance from Waikaka Women’s Division and the Variety Club.
The first pre-Christmas sale held on 10th December 1976 was a huge success with cakes, produce, raffles and of course crafts on offer. Local farmers were invited to enter a ‘fleece of wool’ competition with prizes for best fine wool, best strong wool and the Golden Fleece. School children entered a poster competition; and so began the Arts & Crafts night which grew into the Arts & Crafts Exhibition still held annually.
The initial subscription was set at $10 to provide a start-up fund. We were fortunate to be able to rent the old shop on the main street, owned by Bill Sutherland, at a nominal rate and set about making it a usable space. Pottery was the first craft demonstrated and shortly after a pottery wheel was obtained. Tables and chairs were donated including a large table gifted from the old Gore Hospital, and welcome monetary assistance from Waikaka Women’s Division and the Variety Club.
The first pre-Christmas sale held on 10th December 1976 was a huge success with cakes, produce, raffles and of course crafts on offer. Local farmers were invited to enter a ‘fleece of wool’ competition with prizes for best fine wool, best strong wool and the Golden Fleece. School children entered a poster competition; and so began the Arts & Crafts night which grew into the Arts & Crafts Exhibition still held annually.