Whanganui residents were drawn into a moment within New Zealand’s early aviation history, as they received a portrait of their courageous village namesake, Jane Winstone.

Yesterday, at a special unveiling event, residents and visitors arrived at Jane Winstone village chapel, joined by guest speakers. The chapel quickly filled up, as everyone came together for the afternoon event where anticipation was building in the lead up to the big reveal.

Ryman New Zealand Chief Executive Cheyne Chalmers was welcomed by the team, including Village Manger Lisa Puklowski, and residents. Cheyne then outlined some of the history of the village and surrounds.

The village encompasses the former site of a gothic style chapel, that was built in 1918. Prior to the site being purchased by Ryman, it was owned by the Sisters of St Joseph who both used the chapel and provided schooling for those who attended the then Sacred Heart College.

Some village residents attended the school in its heyday, so it was certainly an occasion for them. Last year the restoration work on the iconic chapel was recognised at the Whanganui Regional Heritage Awards.

Jane Winstone was a Whanganui local born in 1912, and as a young woman attended Sacred Heart College. She took up flying as a hobby at just 16 years old, and eventually became a pioneer whose bravery and tenacity significantly contributed to the war effort and paved the way for future female aviators and likely inspired Whanganui residents.

Winstone was passionate about making a contribution to the allied war effort. Soon after the outbreak of World War II she applied to the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in England. There within the ATA, she worked her way up to the rank of second officer. It was a dangerous job with regular fatalities recorded. She was one of only five New Zealanders to serve the ATA during World War II.

The village residents and team were joined by a number of guest speakers, including Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe. He was excited to be in attendance at the special event and to learn some more regional history. He noted that Jane Winstone was born in the same year as his own grandmother, and that it was amazing to think that Jane would have spent time in the same chapel that the guests were seated in. .

Wing Commander Hayden Sheard, who travelled from Ohakea Base, shared some of Jane Winstone’s legacy calling her a remarkable lady, both courageous and determined, having made a decision to fly at a very young age.

He noted that after flying solo at age 17, Jane went on to get her private pilot’s licence in 1931, one of a small number of women in New Zealand.

Wing Commander Sheard said between the 30s and the outbreak of World War II, Winstone did a lot of competitive flying. Just days before she ‘set sail’ from New Zealand, she found out that her fighter pilot fiancé was missing in action and presumed killed. She still got on that ship, he said.

Other guests included Ryman General Manager of Sales & Customer Experience NZ, Stephen Lester and Regional Operations Manager, Neville Parkinson.

To round out the speakers, village resident and former serviceman Gordon Keelty also delivered a compelling speech, highlighting the many great things about life at Jane Winstone Village.

After a performance by the Jane Winstone Village choir, the big moment arrived. Joined by another pioneering aviator – and village resident - Frances Barnes, Cheyne Chalmers unveiled the magnificent portrait.

The crowd admired the craftsmanship as they took in the painting, which depicts Jane Winstone smartly attired in her ATA uniform. She is bordered by a Hawker Hurricane and two Supermarine Spitfires and offset by a stunning blue skyline.

The event concluded with performances of Fly Me To The Moon and Sailing by the Jane Winstone Village Choir.

Cheyne extended her thanks to Village Manager Lisa Puklowski, the residents, and the choir for their contributions to this memorable occasion. The celebration then continued with morning tea in the Village Centre.

After the proceedings, everyone gathered in the village centre to enjoy an afternoon tea. Residents commented on Craig Primrose’s portrait as being a delightful addition to the village.

Artist Craig Primrose said he really enjoyed the entire process of the work. “The summer clouds in the distance and a lovely clear blue summer sky added warmth to the painting. All of this was to try and take away some of the sombre realities of war time.”