Silverdale Village Market

from The Millwater Mag, December 2014 / January 2015

by The Coasties Mag

Christmas at Seaview

silverdalevillagemarket

Silverdale Village Market has been in existence for over 25 years, adapting continuously to the times and reflecting changes in population and social needs. In the beginning, it was primarily a farmers market, specialising in locally produced food items and some of these suppliers are still with us today, including a long-time fresh free range egg producer. Zheng Lu grows hothouse vegetables in Dairy Flat, where he produces vegetables of the highest quality possible. Lu’s speciality is an extensive range of tomatoes. Mr. Charlie Zee has been selling seedlings for 20 years from his market stall beside the Hall and is always on hand with practical advice. Inside the Hall, the Ryder family have been selling their own affordable range of carved greenstone and paua jewellery and souvenirs for many years. Jill sells sweets and chocolates outside the Bendon Store and the range varies weekly with seasonal supplements such as Easter eggs, Santa sacks and Halloween specialities. Joan has been offering fresh cut flowers and readymade bouquets for 23 years. The flowers of choice may have changed over the years but not the quality. These are nearly 100 craft persons selling handmade art, jewellery, household goods, baby clothes, vintage and collectables, new and pre-loved books. There is even a mobile beautician, specialising in threading, manicures and massage. Yvonne offers cot blankets, pet beds, Kiwi-themed table mats, oven gloves, casserole carriers and guest towels. You can buy cards and wrapping from the Phoenix range, New Zealand-made soaps and cosmetic oils and creams plus a huge range of candies, sweets, biscuits, specialty meats and salmon. Several artists are regulars; including Tanz who makes collectable arts and gifts; Gitte Dibley produces landscapes and New Zealand bird paintings; Kay Satherly paints on silk. Philip Thornton uses his background as a jeweller to produce wearable art jewellery. No matter the weather, the market is a great place to browse and buy from a local craftsperson – someone who works so hard on their craft that Saturday morning is the only time they are free to sell.