Campbell Town market on the hunt for a new home

The long-awaited sale of the Campbell Town Town Hall could serve as the death knell for the town’s local market.

Just one more market will be held in the hall on February 8, with organisers hoping for a great turnout.

The buyer has not yet been revealed by the Northern Midlands Council as it awaits settlement, but Mayor Mary Knowles said that she is pleased that Service Tasmania and the Campbell Town Museum and Information Centre will continue to operate there.

Two of the market’s linchpins, Sally Hills and Barbara Laycock, are sad to see it go, with attempts to find a suitable new venue not looking likely.

Barbara, now 91, has been volunteering to help at the market for more than 50 years, right from when it was originally held at the local football ground.

In those days she would juggle six kids, working at the hospital cooking and cleaning, cooking for shearers and selling raffle tickets as well as working at the market.

“I started off selling raffle tickets around the district and at the market to raise money for the Campbell Town Hospital Auxillary, which the market supports, and it just evolved from there,” she said.

“I’m very disappointed, if someone else could find a venue and take it on I’d happily set up a table on behalf of the auxiliary.”

Sally is the keeper of the bookings book – keeping track of stallholders and payments and ensuring there is a good mix of market items.

“I’ve been involved since 2022 and on average we make a few hundred dollars, up to $500 at times, which goes to the hospital auxiliary and really adds up over time,” she said.

“The locals love the Muffin Man van being parked out the front, grabbing a hot drink or a snack and checking out the bric-a-brac, knitting children’s clothing, baby items, video, books, plants, cakes and jams or any other bargain they can find.”