Jane Thorne Waiuku

Waiuku Museum – SAVING ‘TIME’

Those of us with the ‘travel bug’ may seek treatment closer to home for a while yet and, as JON RAWLINSON explains, there are plenty of places to explore right here in Franklin.

They say we cannot proclaim to have travelled until we’ve fully explored our own backyards. Fortunately, Franklin has much to offer those keen to broaden the mind.

“The Waiuku Museum has an abundance ofhistory and information sittingright on our doorsteps,” museum curator, Jane Thorne, says. “It has so much to offer and, because it has a focus on local history, it is unique.”

While the museum may attract ‘outof-towners’, it also draws locals keen to reconnect with their local and rural roots.

“It’s important to help people discover more about their past. Often enough, the names ofpeople featured in various ways from a century ago or more will still be familiar to many locals today.

“And, a lot ofolderfarmingskills and techniques are becominglost to new generations, so the museum is preparingto have more open and interactive learningdays in the future to preserve them.”

The museum, which reopened in May, is also part historical village; Jane has been intimately acquainted with old buildings since movinginto a Waiuku villa with her husband, Pim. Last year, Jane took over the reins as curator, a role she has come to love.

“About four years ago, not long after we moved into our very old and (at that stage) dilapidated house, I became obsessed with findingout its history so went along to the museum.

“It was fascinatingand I’ve been comingbackeach weekever since,” she recalls. “The curator is responsible for all the objects in the museum –what goes in and how it will be maintained/preserved and stored or displayed. It’s a huge responsibility but one I’m proud to have.” (primarily) funded through subscriptions, with visitor payments and grants for specific projects also helpingcover costs. Additional fundingat local board level is “invaluable”.

However, a little extra from New Zealand’s Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage (a certain Ms Ardern) would come in handy, Jane confirms.

“I would love more government/ council support and backing. It would be great iffundingwere made easier for museums and other trusts to obtain without all the paperwork.

“Only recently we discovered a leak in the ceilingand, because funding takes time to apply for, the cost of repairs will need to come directly from the Museum’s very limited budget.”

For the time beingthe museum may be able to keep its head above water (so to speak!) but another local treasure, GlenbrookVintage Railway (GVR) could soon reach the end ofthe line. “We would love to be able to throw GVR a lifeline but,

regretfully, the museum just isn’t in a place to support it financially,” says Jane. “There needs to be some government financial backingand a lot ofcommunity support to ensure we don’t lose this important part of our local heritage.”

More information about Waiuku Museum, including opening times and days, is accessible via waiukumuseum.wordpress.com.

To view more of this local artist’s work, visit littleblackbugs.com

One of Jane’s illustrations from Puddy’s Big Move.

QUICK DRAW JANE DOES IT AGAIN!

Jane Thorne may be the Waiuku Museum curator but, wearingenough hats to drive a milliner mad, this busy local has much more on her plate. But wait, we’re getting a-head ofourselves. In addition to being a remarkable artist, she moonlights as a face painter –often dressed as a fairy –and illustrates children’s books too.

And, as ifthat wasn’t enough, in recent years she has also devoted some time to those doingtime by teachingdrawing at SpringHill prison. In addition, there’s the little matter ofthe massive DIY renovation on her beautiful Waiuku villa –at least it’s beautiful now!

So, when confined to quarters during the lockdown earlier this year, it’s not surprisingshe made the most ofthe opportunity.

“I hate to admit but I really loved being in lockdown. I gave myselfa week ‘off’, just to do all –okay, some! –of the jobs I never have time to do. I dug a new veggie garden, read books that have, apparently, been breedingon my bookshelves for years,” she says. “But I still didn’t find time to clean the light fittings or reorganise the pantry; I guess even a lockdown won’t make me that organised!”

An acclaimed artist, primarily known for her intricate detail when depicting insects, Jane (aka ‘the BugLady’) has also been busy illustratingchildren’s books, Puddy’s Big Move by Waiuku author, Sandy Bower, The Pear Tree by Evie Mahoney, and another (fittingly) under the workingtitle Superbugs, by Dee Pigneguy,

“Dee is passionate about plants and the environment and the story reflects her values. I won’t give away too much but there are bugs in this book–yay! I guess when you are passionate about somethingyou just make time for it. Deadlines for exhibitions and illustration projects –not to mention answering questions for your magazine –are also good motivators!” she laughs.