Goodbye Gordonton market

The Gordonton Country Market is no more.

The market committee and the Council of Oaks Christian Centre have agreed to cancel the market which has been held in Hukanui Park since 2012, said committee member Gayle Pearson.

“We no longer have sufficient volunteers to continue to run the vibrant market we started in September 2012. The committee have enjoyed facilitating the markets during this season.”

She said Gordonton School is running its gala on 5 November and Rototuna Junior and Senior High Schools holding an annual Craft and Creations Market on 25 November.

“We hope you will support them and enjoy craft shopping for your Christmas gifts.”

Number 8 Network, along with many in the community, is saddened at the news of the market’s cancellation.  The market brought people togther and helped Gordonton sparkle, and there were many who worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen, from committee members to car parking volunteers and rubbish collectors.  You all did a great job.

Here are some photographs and memories from the early days.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the first market was held to much rejoicing and ribbon cutting –

 

Market opens
Saturday 17 November 2012

Chairperson at the time, Peter Brown said even the weather behaved itself.

“It only started to get really bad about 15 minutes after the last stall holder had driven out, and at that point it was torrential rain and incredible winds – 120k winds had been forecast.”

Peter Brown at the first market

 

The idea was for the market to be a family event, where people could meet friends and make new, and that’s what happened, he said.

“We’re hearing the stories now, of people who hadn’t seen each other for years, meeting and catching up. That’s what it is all about.”

 

 

Jenny and husband Chris at an early market.

 

There was plenty of fundraising going on, too.

 

 

Stella Sim
Stella Sim raised money for a two-year-old boy diagnosed with cancer.

 

The Youth Group of Oaks Christian Centre took to the treadmills for the 40-hour famine.

 

 

Judy and helper

 

Gordonton local Derek Houghton raised funds for the Great Australian Ride.

 

And there was always plenty of food –

 

jams

 

Sweetree Honey’s Martin Lynch watches as Rod McDonald tries a tester.

 

 

…and crafts and treasures

 

knitting

 

 

 

Drums

 

As well as entertainment –

 

Iris Riddell creates a batboy at the market

 

 

Gordonton Country Market
Parking right this way…

 

The Riddells (and friend) having a grand time

 

Merry busking

Gordonton Country Market

 

 

A thousand thank yous to everyone who worked their tail feathers off to bring us the Gordonton Country Market.  You are all stars.

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Number 8 Network - a community website for the rural areas northeast of Hamilton, NZ, is run by Gordonton journalist/editor Annette Taylor.

One thought on “Goodbye Gordonton market

  • October 5, 2017 at 4:48 pm
    Permalink

    So sad to hear this community effort has come to this end. I hope something new will rise again. All the best Gordonton.

    Reply

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