Heritage in full bloom at the fete

Oamaru heritage buffs Wendy Simpson (left) and Marise Martin get into the Victorian mindset at the Lady Thorn Rhododendron Dell in Port Chalmers on Saturday.

More than 100 people sampled the food and crafts on display at the gardens as part of the annual garden fete organised by the Port Chalmers and District Lions Club.

Co-ordinator Les Box said the event was a way of letting everybody enjoy the dell, which required significant maintenance.

''We took it over in 1998. The change since then has been incredible.''

It linked with a score of other events and exhibitions as part of the Dunedin Heritage Festival's Port Chalmers Day.