John Bisset/Stuff
The Old Bank Cafe and Bar on the corner of Stafford and Church streets in 2019. Through a Givealittle page Jack has raised about half the $2500 he estimates he needs for an initial print run of 100 to 200 copies. “I’m extremely happy that people have given who used to be, or still are customers, as well as current owner Bob Mason and staff,” Jack said. He said a former brewery representative in the 1990s, who is now a publican in Invercargill, had also contributed. Mason said he thought the book was a great idea. Jack also applied for funding through Creative NZ but did not meet the criteria as it is the first book he has written.
Those exciting things included her trademark brand, cupcakes. Rowe has been making them since her teens, once selling 1500 cupcakes on Valentine’s Day in Timaru. “I sold 300 cupcakes today, and 1000 in a week. They’re fresh every day. I get up early and ice them.” Besides the cakes, Rowe sold fashion clothing (only New Zealand labels with occasional Australian), as well as soaps, candles, sunglasses and other gift items. The move will be made in early March and Rowe said her hope was to have more clothing, giftware and more space for customers. The business will also have a new name – Millie Rose Boutique.