The Lions Trash n Treasure market committee, from left, Bill Cairns, Julie Mayes, Rob Waugh, Scotty Buchanan and John Brouggy.
The monthly Lions Trash n Treasure market, which has raised thousands of dollars for Cambridge over 25 years, is restarting at a different venue.
The move to Memorial Park from Cambridge Town Centre will enable the market to operate under Covid red light rules, says Rob Waugh from the Lions Club Trash n Treasure committee.
The inspiration for the move came from Memorial Park committee member Viv Clarke.
“The market has been an important part of Cambridge for a long time,” she said.
“Memorial Park is fully fenced with only two gateways, public toilets on site and easy access for stallholders and the public.”
Waugh said the market had not operated in town since late last year because it would have been impossible to check vaccine passes.
“We looked at other markets around New Zealand and we believe our market comes under retail sub section rules,” he said.
That will mean one metre distancing and face masks.
A food court will operate away from the stall holders by the Hautapu grandstand.
“There will be some benefits from the venue change in that sites will be larger with room for a vehicle on some, and there will be more room for shoppers, mobility scooters, prams and the like to move around.
“Downsides will be no cover available from shop verandas and, regrettably, less support for Cambridge retailers who benefitted from the people our market attracted to town,” said Waugh.
The market is on the second Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm. The next one will be on March 13.
Stallholders come from around the upper North Island selling a wide variety of goods from handmade items, produce, plants, preloved products and collectibles.
“Given the hardships that Covid has inflicted on us all, we feel that something that can raise people’s spirits can only be a good thing.
“Let’s just hope that Covid doesn’t get in the way again,” said Waugh.
