Bedfordale will unfortunately soon say goodbye to one of its most beloved local attractions, the Bedfordale Bush Market.
The market began operations in 2015, as a means to connect the people in the local area, according to its founders Penny Stapleton, Liz Reed and Caralyn Lagrange. This Saturday 14th March, from 9am to 1pm, it will hold its last.
Over its more than 10-year run, the market has featured a vast array of vendors, with a particular focus on supporting local craftspeople and growers. It has also served as a place to share stories and has created lasting memories for many.
The market expanded greatly through the years, beginning with just a few individual stallholders and growing to become a major event with more than 80 stallholders at its peak. It had even been featured on Channel 10 news in its early days and also was a regular on Heritage FM radio.
Community groups often conducted fundraising at the market, supporting such local services as the Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade and the Bedfordale Country Women’s Association.
Some of its standout, and most memorable, events through the years have included various photography contests, car and motorbike competitions, best-dressed pet, poultry competitions and even citrus cake competitions.
The markets were always very child, and family, friendly, and this was enabled by the organisers’ liaising with Southern Hills Christian College, which helped provide free activities for children.
Sustainability was always front of mind for the organisers, and thus a recycling hub, book swap and clothes swap were featured at the event.
With service to the local community always front of mind, the market was responsible for the expansion of Bedfordale Hall’s patio, and it was known to regularly petition the local council for upgrades, such as for the local playground. Without the market’s involvement, it is thought these upgrades may not have occurred at all.
Many stallholders have been regulars at the event since its early days, such as Quillows, Butterfly Craft, Carmel Distillery, Rainbow Happiness, Stargazer, Tiny Shed Timber, Barrabee Honey, Redhill Creations, Linda Roads and Waterwheel Community Shed.
The organisers said: “We have been very fortunate to be supported by the City of Armadale with a grant for this upcoming 10-year celebratory market, as well as with grants in the past, and we have lots of things planned, with free children’s activities such as CrittersUpClose, Magic Dale, Face Painting and other activities. We’ll have some free Devonshire tea from the CWA.”
In closing, the Bedfordale Bush Market has said: “We hope that you will come and enjoy this special event to say farewell to a market that has meant so much to so many. The Bedfordale Market team is very grateful for all your support over the years.”
If you are a stallholder and would like to attend, please contact the market to book in.
