Heritage stonemason Keith Hinds mixes up another batch of lime mortar on Saturday to help stabilise the stonework of the old St Bathans School. PHOTOS: STEPHEN JAQUIERYWhile most people were dressed to the nines, celebrating the local architecture and ye olde activities at the St Bathans Village Fete, Keith Hinds was busy getting his hands dirty. The 74-year-old put on a display on Saturday, showing visitors to the two-yearly fete how he was restoring the ruins of the old stone St Bathans School. Oamaru friends (from left) Peter Page, Yvonne Johnston-Page, Lea Campbell and Jono Milne dressed up for their visit to the 2026 St Bathans Village Fete on Saturday. It was also an important fundraiser for the St Bathans Community Association, which helps maintain the historic buildings and public spaces in the settlement.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 18, 2026 15:32 UTC