The Medlow Public School P&C Growers Markets have traded for the last time after a
committee meeting failed to find a manager to run the project.
This is a sad end for the markets which brought much joy to the Taylor’s Arm area.
Two years ago, when the idea for the market was conceived, the vision was fourfold:
* To promote Medlow Public School to the wider community
* To provide
fundraising revenue for the P&C
* To provide a
family-friendly
gathering space for the community, and
* To provide economic opportunity for local
producers and artisans who wished to sell at the markets.
This vision was
fulfilled. More than $3500 was raised for the P&C and the local hall committees who took it in turns to work the breakfast barbecue.
Grants from local and state governments totalling more than $6000 were applied for and received, (this paid for signage and for the Taylor’s Arm website – www.taylorsarm.
com.au).
People had a central place to gather regularly and connections were made between people who may never have had the opportunity to meet before.
Local growers, bakers and artisans had a
wonderful opportunity to grow, create and sell their wares, and the
people of the Valley had an opportunity to
purchase local food and other hand-made goods, sometimes difficult to access in shops.
Inspired by the
market, Tonia and Will Welsh of Wilton’s Coffee set up the Macksville Producers Market on the riverbank at Macksville, and this has been an
outstanding success.
“Thank you to the Medlow Public School P&C, the Taylors Arm community and the
stallholders for
supporting our markets and for giving me the opportunity to serve in the way that I have. Who knows, perhaps the
market will reappear in another form? Keep tuned,” Sara Foley said.