Country market blossoms
Te Horo’s historic hall is the hub of the local community, and this is well illustrated when the country market makes its monthly appearance. From relatively modest beginnings the market has grown to include a wide variety of crafts and produce. On a recent visit stalls were bustling with folk, both looking and buying – a happy, Te Horo feel-good atmosphere prevailed.
As well as Barbara’s eclectic range of healthy seedlings, which includes flowers, herbs and veggies (do try one of her tomato plants – mine produced a bumper crop last year), I noticed olive oil (the area is renowned for producing top quality olive oil), lemon honey and strawberry compote. There was plenty of luscious looking home baking although buyers were scooping these up pretty quickly, and Otaki’s seasonal surplus stall, which offers fruit and veggies picked from local gardens (that way you know its fresh).
One of the advantages of the hall site is the space available away from inclement weather. Inside the hall all was cosy and warm, and visitors could choose from hand-crafted products such as quilting, woodwork, make their own jewellery from ‘pick n mix’ Moreno glass beads, or select from a quirky selection of books for dog lovers. If you were feeling in a spiritual frame of mind, there were readings on offer, and well-priced cushions and tea-towels from Heather’s Embroidery Crafts (she also makes made to order, personalised keepsake cushions). For the fellas Ron has a range of well-loved bloke-type stuff, from garden tools and mechanical ‘things,’ to kitchen appliances. And of course, what would a market in Te Horo be without a taste of the district’s wonderful home-baking? You can find that, and great coffee, at the café at the back of the hall. All great stuff – I’ll be back next month.
Te Horo School expands
Planning concepts for further building are under way at Te Horo School. Three property jobs are in the planning stages, including designs for a new multi-purpose building.
“We are going with a design and build company, and when the design is completed and price confirmed, we’ll be submitting to the Ministry of Education,” said principal, Craig Vidulich.
The process has taken longer than anticipated, and Mr Vidulich said the Ministry “was keen to help move the project along.”
Drawings are also being prepared for an upgrade to the present school hall. The plan is to incorporate cupboard space into the hall area, and then split the space into two parts, resulting in “two good-sized spaces.”
An upgrade is also planned for rooms 7 and 8 to enlarge and utilise corridor space.
Community events
Te Horo Country Market, Sunday 2 November 10.00am to 12.30 wet or fine – locally grown produce and garden plants, handcrafts, jewellery at Te Horo Hall
Craft Circle, Wednesday, 12 November, 10.00am onwards at Te Horo Hall.
Drinks and Nibbles, Friday, 7 November, 5.30pm at Te Horo Hall. Join neighbours, make new friends at this monthly BYO event.