Last church market day on after 50 years

And it’s little wonder as Judy is among a group of a dozen volunteers who have been doing it for over 30 years but the market day actually started over 50 years ago, according to Senior Pastor Mike Doyle.
He said that due to needs changing in the community and ageing volunteers, some of whom are in their 90s, the last market day would be held in December.
“They’ve raised more than $500,000 over the years and that has gone to refugee support, helping battlers and keeping our church going,” he said.
“The women have worked extraordinarily hard to serve the local community. They meet every single week to sort goods, clean them and make them presentable. It takes over their whole lives and households.”
Judy, 84, said there were other initiatives coming like the new food pantry, homework club and church in the park.
“It’s been a privilege to be involved,” she said.
Leonie Santwyk, 77, says she will miss the group terribly including Jenny Creeke who is not part of the church but has done so much to ensure the success of the market days.
“I sold 33 plants last Saturday which was great, we made $2,000 overall from the day; I’m continually potting for the market so now I’ll be able to concentrate on my own garden and might have a clean house for once,” she added with a laugh.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to have been able to help so many.”
With loads of discounted items to choose from just in time for Christmas, the last St James Market Day will be held on Saturday, December 3, 9-11am, with all invited to join in the celebrations.