Trip to “Jan Shoemark Glass Art” in Waitoa & Café 77 for Lunch.

The day was a beautiful sunny day though quite cool. We gathered at Joe’s Garage in Cambridge from 9:00am for Breakfast/Coffee and catchup with each other.

At approximately 10:30am we headed off for the approximately 35 min drive to Farmer Road, Waitoa for;

The Jan Shoemark Visit (by Helen Prince)

The visit to Jan Shoemark of Waitoa, was an interesting step into another world of fun and fantasy. Areas are set up with different themes and bringing to life her world of Bugs ( Having originated from the beginning of the Covid Bug).

After years of collecting odd pieces of steel, cogs, sprockets along with all the coloured cut glass that Jan uses in mirrors, pictures and bugs which are scattered throughout her garden and through her home, is a true indication of talent and perseverance.

A great Talk by Jan on how she buys her glass and the equipment she uses to make her pictures and art.

A very quirky fun lady, who is self taught and driven to suceed. A worth while visit.

From Waitoa we traveled (15 min Short Drive) to Café 77 located 420b Manawaru Road, Manawaru. Because of our numbers, unfortunatly they had set up tables for us in the Warehouse area that they use for Rock wall Climing etc. which was chilly due to no heating, so some of us elected to sit up in the main Café area where it was warmer. As this appears to be quite a popular spot, not all the items on the menu were available, so the food offerings was limited.

However, due to the great company, a nice time was had by all.