Lynne Mowbray |
The first Lawrence Farmers and Community Markets kicked off at the Lawrence Public Hall on Saturday morning, with keen shoppers arriving early.
Lawrence local, Eulie Allen said that the location was a perfect place to hold a community markets.
“There’s plenty of parking and it’s right on the river, with a nice breeze – it’s just a nice place to be,” Eulie said.
“I ran into just about everyone in town and caught up with a few people that I hadn’t seen for a while.
“If we support it (the markets), it will grow,” she said.
Ian McLennan of Maclean (originally from Lawrence) said that he thought that Saturday’s markets were excellent for the community of Lawrence.
“They’re a very tight knit community and it’s a great opportunity for them all to get together and talk and bring in their produce (to sell) and I think it’s an excellent starting point and hope it grows from here,” he said.
Fresh flower stall owner Chloe Hughs of ‘Ryella Blooms’ – Woodford Island, said that she sells ‘country bloom’ flowers/bouquets.
“I came to the markets with 30 bouquets and sold out within the first two hours,” Chloe said laughing.
“I had other filler arrangements that I also made up into bouquets and people bought those too.
“What made me really happy was that there were (a couple of) gentlemen who bought their wives flowers who’d never received flowers from them before; so there’s a first for everything.
“I’ll definitely be back again next month,” she said.
Event organiser Ann Gleeson said that she was more than happy with the first of many market events, to be held at the Lawrence Public Hall.
“We had about 15 stalls on Saturday selling everything from local farm fresh vegetables including mushrooms, garlic, tomatoes, nuts, honey, jams, pickles and chutneys, fresh herbs and seedlings, fresh flowers, orchids, recycled jewellery, fresh sushi, raised garden beds, handmade soaps, candles, children’s clothes etc,” Ann said.
“The crowd turned up (early) from about 7.45am; and from that time until about 10.30am it was just crazy.
“The stall owners were all happy and are all coming back next month.
“One of our stall holders said that he made more money at this market, than he has at the last three markets he’s done.
“The markets will be held on the first Saturday of the month from 8am until 12noon and so far we have another four stalls that wanted to attend this market, but couldn’t make it.
“Hopefully the local school and preschool, as well as the cricket club, will all be coming next month,” she said.
