Oliver Lees
Spirits were high in the shire over the weekend as Barry McDonald debuted as the town crier to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market.
Dressed in a custom-made outfit from Poppy Hill, the long term resident said he had no problem with stepping into the role to bring some colour to the festive occasion.
Mr McDonald spent the morning ringing a bell and reading aloud a list of upcoming events and good news stories from around town.
“In decades past I was a performer and a poet, I did lots and lots of performances… and because I’ve been a teacher, I’m quite comfortable with talking in front of people,” Mr McDonald said.
“I think it was pretty well received. There’s a lot of discussion as to whether we’re a village or a town.
“I think we’re a town, but this sort of thing helps to bring a village feel.”
According to marketing manager Nikki Barker, the market now welcomes more than 90 artisan stallholders and is visited by roughly 2000 to 3000 attendees each month.
“[The] market is administered by a fiercely passionate group of individuals who believe that supporting small farmers to sell their produce locally encourages a more sustainable approach to food production with a ‘Fresh is Best’ approach,” Ms Barker said.
Mr McDonald said he’s looking forward to returning in the role at future market days.
