The Kiama Farmers’ Market has found a temporary home at the Kiama Uniting Church in Manning Street (cnr Bong Bong Street) [see Kiama Farmers' Market after an interim venue].

“We see this space as a community space, so it makes sense to us to help,” says Reverend Kath Merrifield.

“When we were approached, we were only too happy to see how we could make it happen.”

After most other options were ruled out for various reasons, the Market Manager Tricia Ashelford says this solution came out of the blue.

“Ideally we wanted something with a prominent location, with indoor cover as well. Gerringong Town Hall was looking like the only option, but we were worried it was too outside of our regular customers’ habits,” she says.

“This location is perfect, as there are a number of indoor and covered spaces and it is just down the road from our usual home at Surf Beach.

“Kath has been so welcoming – I have to stop pinching myself as things have worked out so well.

“Council has been very supportive throughout the process, and we are glad we don’t have to get a DA.”

The church building and grounds offer many options for the Market

Relocating the Market for a number of weeks was seen as the only solution, given the current weather system is expected to be here for some time and Coronation Park is already waterlogged.

“The Pavilion has been our wet weather option, but they have heavy bookings for the next few months, so it wasn’t possible to use it,” says Tricia.

“The weather is creating lots of problems for our farmers, and we are so happy that we can continue to give them a weekly outlet for their produce."

Last December, the Kiama Uniting Church completed its building works with a new extension, which links the recently restored lecture hall with the church building where services are held. As part of the works, funded by the congregation, the carpark and surrounds have also been upgraded.

Rev Merrifield said at that time, “It is not just for the use of the congregation, but has always been about us being able to offer hospitality to the whole of the community.”

From this Wednesday, 13 April, 2-5pm.