Dannevirke street market ‘like days of old’

By 11am on Friday, October 20 Dannevirke’s High St pavements were packed as stall holders did a lot of trading on a sunny mostly calm and warm market day.

The weather gods had smiled and a reasonable crowd came out to browse and buy for Christmas just like days of old as one long-time resident commented.

Chairwoman of Dannevirke’s Chamber of Commerce, Sue Berry, confirmed there were more stalls than in recent years, traders coming from Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu and the Wairarapa.

Carole and June Milner from Hastings were back for their 14th year selling cushions and other manchester while Davina Newman had come all the way from Bell Block in Taranaki to sell her paua wear.

Tina and Karatiana of Tradesmart from Pahiatua swapped their normal secondhand gear for brand new hats which sold well in the sunshine.

Locals took the opportunity to sell their creations like Wiki Parkinson, operating out of the Windmill and selling a huge range of products from dressed Maori dolls to wall hangings, Lisa Schaffer from Ngapaeruru selling her Herbal Pharmacy products, Chris Cape his home-made toys while Val Hook was selling boxes crafted from Rimu out of the Old Nurses Home by Trevor and cushions she made herself.

Fiona Carson of Stamping Up was back selling cards made during courses she runs in Dannevirke, Feilding and Palmerston North with a children’s course making Christmas cards for the holidays.

Stephanie Buckeridge had for sale her products designed to improve skin quality which have put her into the final of “Innovate” — a competition run by BCC (Building Clever Companies).

Some groups took the opportunity to fundraise like Dannevirke Rotary, Dannevirke Host Lions, Dannevirke High School Classics Trip, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamaki Nui a Rua and Appleton Kindergarten.

Craig Ramsay has set up as an “Artist in Residence” next to the old BNZ building, and hopes to expand his business creating items from copper, wood and even old tableware mostly on commission.

Cafe´ s reported a brisk trade and businesses took the opportunity to offer specials, especially Whiplash on its final day of trading.

DANNEVIRKE Rotary had appetites catered for with sausages and pancakes.

DAVINA Newman from Taranaki sold art with paua decoration she made herself.

RETIRED farmer Jim Henderson of Whanganui sells children’s books he writes in his “retirement”.