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In 1988 Mrs Margaret Heseltine of Udialla Station, a successful market
gardener, was seeking a wider clientele to purchase her produce during the
winter months. Possibilities were discussed with friends and letters were
sent to the Shire requesting permission to set up markets on Public Land.
Suggestions included the parking lot across from Rustys supermarket, the corner
across the road from the Centrelink Offices, or land across the road from
Kimberley Auto Parts.
The Shire refused to discuss the possibility of a Market Centre so that
weekly markets could be held. In view of the negative response from the
Shire, Margaret Heseltine, who is a CWA Member, suggested that we use the CWA
Cottage in Clarendon Street as a venue for the markets. This was a good
suggestion as the grounds are private property. With the decision taken by
the local CWA members, the first markets in Derby commenced during the winter of
1989.Initially there were two stalls - Margaret Heseltine with fresh
vegetables, mostly tomatoes and spring onions and Margaret Thompson with pickles
and jams. The third stall into the markets was held by Betty Ring with
things horticultural. From this small beginning, the markets have
progressed very slowly, and at times were depressingly dull. Our next
acquisition was a food stall, run by "Indy" who cooked the most fabulous Asian
food. Her pork dishes were to "die for"
With thanks to the ladies of the Derby Women Share Group who gave us some
good ideas and days of hard work, the markets have progressed to what they are
today. During the winter months we have a variety of stalls selling
anything from massages to handcrafts, preserves to take-away Chinese or Pilipino
food, second-hand books to a cup of tea or coffee and cake.
- Derby CWA, 2005
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