Greytown gets own country market

COME TO THE MARKET: The Greytown Country Market will held at Stella Bull Park on the first Sunday of each month, from October to April.

For Catherine Whyte, a market was the perfect way to showcase "the clever people" living in her community -- and bring some new life to a "secret" green space.

The Greytown Country Market is set to open this weekend at Stella Bull Park, and will run on the first Sunday of every month until April.

The market will feature the wares of several Wairarapa growers, small businesses and artisans -- from wooden toys, to homemade pate, to upcycled furniture, to one-of-a-kind bird houses.

Different from its Masterton, Carterton and Martinborough counterparts, the market will have a strong focus on products for the home and garden, with jewellery designers, mixed media artists and nurseries joining the line-up.

Ms Whyte said she was inspired to set up the market after meeting, and being in awe of, Greytown's creative entrepreneurs.

"We have so many clever and interesting people here," she said.

"I enjoy going to the Carterton and Martinborough markets, but I think Greytown has the talented people and space to sustain a market of its own. Greytown people can get out of bed, have a coffee, and come and buy some beautiful strawberry plants."

The market would also help promote the historic Stella Bull Park, which has been largely unused over the years.

"It's great to have that space in the middle of a lovely wee town, but no-one really uses it," Ms Whyte said. "It's like a little secret, but it doesn't have to be."

So far, 30 stallholders have signed up, including the established South Wairarapa businesses Laughing Owl Fudge, Wairarapa Eco Farms, MartyGirl Skinfood, Fantail Grove and doggytreats.

Artworks available include watercolour landscapes from Patricia Pye, prints and cards from Wild Honey Art, and hand-made toys by Peter Bennet.

Home and garden products include oil cloth sourced from France by Greytown resident Linda Webster, and custom-made garden furnishings from Grand Illusions.

Ms Whyte also hopes to set up an outdoor cinema in the park, with films projected onto the Greytown Library building.

"It'll be a nice thing for families to do -- they can come with beanbags or deckchairs, and bring a picnic."

Ms Whyte said the South Wairarapa District Council has been extremely supportive of both the market and cinema, the latter she hopes to haveoperating in time for summer.

Proceeds will go towards various community projects and activities, such as Greytown Early Years, community art projects and the Friends of Stella and Sarah park committee.

For more information about the Greytown Country Market, go to greytowncountrymarket.com, or www.facebook.com/Greytowncountrymarket.