Newsletter October 15th 2011

Here’s to a fabulous October BCM and now that you’re here we know it’s all going to be alright. Welcome Marketeers prepare for what promises to be another great 3rd Saturday spent amongst some special people and let’s face it, realistically and statistically maybe one or two pretty ordinary jokers too. But the sum of our parts makes this a beaut day out for a lot of people (selves included) who come here, so digitus extractus and on with the show.
As always heaps to tell you about, limited space. Last month I indicated that this month we would announce initiatives aimed at refreshing BCM diminished finances. Our Committee still have a number of possibilities to review. Inevitably, but not solely, a necessary fee adjustment for November’s BCM is planned. The last change to stallholder’s fees was a modest increase in August 2009. Also under review are current operational procedures and policies. It’s hoped this will result in a clearer understanding of the shared responsibility by all stakeholders and remove any ‘grey’ areas, without compromising BCM essentially compassionate and egalitarian ethos and practise in order to produce the best and fairest outcomes. Look to our November newsletter for all the news in detail.
A rare but disturbing incident occurred at our last BCM with the attempted theft of a piece of jewellery. The incident was contained, managed correctly and the alleged shoplifter seen off. Naturally this distasteful and thankfully rare incident raises a few questions the answers to which you may find by reading “To Catch a Thief”.

There’s a heads up to our food traders, most that need to be are already compliant with the new legislation if your curious for more detail read “Food for Thought”. Urunga Junior Nippers are Octobers BCM Community Group. Apart from looking to raise extra funds they’ll also have a visual presentation for interested viewers set up in A Section. Cheynne Murphy and his band were with us last in January this year. The response from all meant we’d have to have him back, he came as soon as he was free because like us he reckons it’s - BCM not just a marketplace but a great place to be.

To Catch a Thief
The same laws that protect the public also protect the criminal, yes justice is blind. We cannot restrain people or hold people against their will, citizen’s arrest can bite you back. Assault is assault no matter who perpetrates it. So what should you do if you see some one shop lifting? We recommend if you see someone thieving you discreetly ask the Marketeer next to you to let us know. Either find a Staff member who will contact us via radio. If no staff are in sight then quickly get to the Market Office or call our office number (6655 2151). The phone is patched through to the Market and our response will be immediate, measured and within the law. BCM Staff will go to your site and create an obvious presence while Police are called. Should the offenders move off they will be aware of staff accompanying their travels and observing their actions. The unwelcome staff presence will stymie their thieving making it uncomfortable for them to stick around. If police have not attended in time, all efforts will be made to identify the offenders and car license plates noted for later use by police.
Apart from avoiding an ugly scene and possible physical harm if you directly confront and accuse the miscreants this course of action will reduce your exposure to a raft of potential legal repercussions.

Food for Thought
The Food Amendment (Food Safety Supervisors) Bill 2009 was passed by Parliament on 11 November 2009 to introduce mandatory food handler training. The Food Supervisors Certificate had a staged introduction. Stage One began with the approval process which started 9th July 2010. Stage Two was the 12 month implantation period started on 1 October 2010. As of 1st October, 2011 we are at Stage 3, compliance. If you have any doubts about your need to be compliant, don’t. It is your responsibility to ensure you have met any legal requirements required of you under law to continue trade with us. The onus is with you.

Market Mutterings
Introduce your self to our newest Marketeer he is Jeevan Oliver Arkan. Born on Tuesday 27th September at 5.02am Jeevan weighed 3.629kg and measured 50.5cm. Congratulations to Mum & Dad, Surinder & John and too Saihaj, Anand and Prakaash on their new brother. There are 4 examples to John’s claim that he “just doesn’t make great curries’.
Congratulations also to Liarne Howard. Liarne won 1st Prize in the Photographic and Digital Section of the Bellingen Art Prize. She’ll be displaying “Still”, the work that won her the prize in her C Section stall. Not bad for her first ever exhibition entry! Well done that Marketeer.
Kimiem left Denmark for Australia 25 years ago, leaving his band ‘New Past’ and his family. He called last month asking if he could perform on our Market Stage. His little sister, her husband and daughter were visiting Australia and he wanted to play for them in front of a supportive BCM crowd. He was keen enough to audition for us; it lasted only 2 minutes enough time to hear that his 15 minutes of BCM fame wasn’t going to be 15 minutes of infamy. Cheyenne Murphy graciously supported by making his bands performance space available to him, the rest of this story will be played out sometime between 11.30 and 12.30 when we fulfil this Danes wish.