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.

Market Mutterings

Items of relevance and interest for merry Marketeers. Sadly the first item of news is to report the passing of a former long time Bellingen Shire Councillor and a tireless contributor to the community. Margaret Gundry OAM was awarded her Order of Australia Medal for that very reason. I had served on two committees with Margaret over 3 years and she was the genuine article. Her energy and keen will be missed.
On the other side of the ledger it is possible we may have our first BCM baby delivered some time through the day. Surinder Arkan is adamant she will attend today. Despite imminent child birth she obviously feels husband John needs supervision making the chai.
Some may remember Australia’s Got Talent came to the BCM to do auditions when they were just starting out. Now that they are pulling viewing audiences in the millions they are not able to come to us but have asked if we’d pass this on FYI – Australia’s Got Talent Open Auditions Thursday 13th October 201, Shearwater Room Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour – Registration 11am-6pm. Some advance notice for Cheynne Murphy fans, he’ll be here along with his band for our October BCM, news that should please those that asked for an encore.

Lots of important information on how today will roll out that you need to be aware of so please read on.
We have to vacate the Market Park pronto at days end! Due to rescheduling of rugby league fixtures previously postponed due to rain there is to be a game played this afternoon. At 4pm Market Park will revert to a football field and we must be packed and gone before 3.30pm and footie fans begin to access the area. We will need to have the park cleared by that time. Please assist by expediting your pack and departure.

A special treat for lovers of fine German automotive technology the Vee Dub Car Club of Sydney will be with us today en masse. The cars will drive through town before doing a ‘horny’ circuit of the Markets before coming to rest in the car park where they’ll be on view all day. They were to be displayed on centre field but in deference to the footie to be played there and the potential for surface damage (after predicted overnight rain) we’ve had to relocate them to one half of the Council car park at the north end of the field. Please pass this on to any visitors who look perplexed.

With expectations of a large crowd the use of the car park will compound any existing parking problems. We would still ask that you PLEASE DO NOT PARK around the Market. Leave that parking for the people that will, if they can find a park, be coming to spend their money with you. One block to the east of Ford St is Connell Park (via Park St then into Prince St) and a very large car park. South of Park St is Rawson St along which is a large nature strip that could also hold a few cars. And sorry NO; cars cannot be left in the Market if you have not been given the express authority by management, in accordance with BCM policy.

We’re anticipating a far size crowd today given our presence in BJ&MF advertising and publicity. I was told BCM in particular got big raves on Friday on Coffs ABC, from Bellbottom Editor, Maggie Quirk who waxed on our VW turnout on ABC National another big rave on the BCM during a mention of the Festival and finally ABC Mid north coast’s Cameron Marshall. So now it’s over to you little pixies to do your magic with our visitors and show them why they say Bellingen Community Markets not just a marketplace but a great place to be.

Market Mutterings
It’s my sad task to advise the passing of one of our long term Permanent Marketeers. Chris Audet who graced B Section selling his Native American feathered bonnets and reggae gear, succumb to liver cancer on July 7th at Dorrigo Hospital. Chris was an unassuming, yet personable bloke who will be a much missed thread in the fabric of our BCM community of marketeers. Another loose thread from our fabric but for happier reasons is our E Section Tarot reader. Suzanne is relocating to sunnier climes, is working on her second publication and ongoing web page but needs her BCM ‘fix’ so will hop the border to join us from time to time.
Pics and stories appeared in Coffs and Bello press of the handing over of our cheque for $1,000 to help establish and open the Bellingen Men’s Shed chapter and premises. Also Urunga Nippers recently received a contribution of $300 from us toward specialist surfboards (unpublicised).

These past months hopefully has brought the realisation that we are not, as an outdoor event, immune from weather’s whims, despite enjoying over a decade without such interruptions. Hopefully this is motivation for any Permanents to acquaint them selves with the policy. Remember it is not the rain from the sky rather it is what’s happening on the ground – critically the question is; will our activities cause degradation to the grounds? The answer to that question will determine if or not we proceed. You can view the relevant policy documents on our web site or just get a copy from the Market Office at the southern end of the grandstand.

This month we welcome back Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. A cuppa and scone from ABMT is doubly enjoyable. Goodies are contributed by bake experts like our own CWA - good tucker, a cuppa & the knowledge that you’ve supported some dynamic volunteers raising funds for the Cancer Council.
Still on Dynamic volunteers; Bellingen Mentoring Group are our BCM Community Group for July. Initiative with youth like ‘Rock & Water’ have been a success story that has achieved positive outcomes for participants and community acknowledgement and appreciation for these committed volunteers. Did I mention they have a great raffle? You could take a stroll via their site in C Section and pick up one or two…or three…or four…

Looking forward to next month and August’s BCM and the other event that happens through out town over that weekend, the Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival (BJ&BF). As some may be aware BJ&BF nearly didn’t happen this year however in a true “the show must go on” move it has been resurrected for this year as the Bellingen Jazz & Manouche Festival (BJ&MF). For more of what will be on offer, here at the BCM for the 3rd Saturday of that weekend read…”Near Enough for Jazz!”

Also in August - The VW Car Club of Sydney return to say Gudden Tag! They can’t be missed when they turn up en masse as those who were here for their last visit will confirm. They may again join us in the Park, occupying the footie field (and NO you are NEVER to drive on the hallowed turf).
FYI – PARKING. Parking is available in the Council Car Parks at the northern end of the field. Situated at the rear of Memorial Hall and the Old Commonwealth Bank building on the lane way that runs between Ford & Church Sts I have brokered the use of these expressly to relieve the peripheral parking around the Park. As is often the case by 7.15am last month all the parking around the Park was taken. Not by visitors but by us! Wherever possible please go that extra distance when parking. It would be an immediate advantage to you as a trader, were your customer able to access easy parking.
Musically today and back by popular request Chapter Nine take the BCM Stage from 10am. The band is getting a keen following up and down the coast for their original material best describe as fun, funk & groove. So loads of reasons to have a groovy day at the Bellingen Community Markets not just a marketplace but a great place to be.

Near Enough for Jazz
BJ&BF like BCM, and so many other meaningful events held in this community, and thousands of others like ours across Australia, is run by volunteers. This year BJ&BF announced there would be no Festival this year ostensibly since they could not get a volunteer to take on the crucial role of Musical Director and they were not financially equipped to afford to hire a professional for the job and so the BJ&BF was to have a year’s hiatus pending discussion for its future. The announcement ignited a number of dedicated musicians and community who rose to the challenge. Prominent amongst these were Brett Iggulden and Paul Bulanyi. Brett was formative and key in establishing the first BJ&BF and as a musician is highly regarded in the lexicon of Australian music history. Paul conversely is relatively new to Bellingen. His prowess as a guitarist has seen him perform several BJ&BF solo and with the group Manouche Party. As well Paul performed and produced the hugely successful stage show Django 101. He along with Brett has amassed a brilliant line-up both of local and imported acts to create an outstanding programme.
Of course BCM are front and centre on the day. From 10am -2pm we’re thrilled to be able to host BIG BAND BASH. Comprising our burgeoning young talent the Bash features - Bellingen High School Band + Duvall High School Soul Band + Time Out Big Band (Students from St Agnes Parish Secondary Schools Port Macqaurie) this is an awesome lineup of talented younger musicians with ‘chops’ that will astound.

Market Music

• Ben Smith Band
• Josh Mc Govern Band
• Remains
• Eight Ball Aitken
• Thora Zoo
• Dan Rumour & the Drift
• Remains
• Grandmastermonk
• Geoff Turnbull Sessions
• Trunk Road
• Gleny Rae Virus & her Tamworth Playboys
• Cheyene Murphy
• Broadfoot
• The Ninth Chapter
• Heart Tribe
• Glenn Heath and the Deep Blue Sea
• Romaniacs
• Slim Pickens & Doctor Baz

Community Groups

Here are just some of the community groups assited by funding through direct contributions or community partnerships with BCM.

• Kalang RFS
• Fernmount RFS
• Scotchman RFS
• Darkwood RFS
• Urunga RFS
• Repton RFS
• Valery RFS
• 1st Bellingen Scouts
• Bellingen Primary School P&C
• Urunga Rangers FC
• Bellingen New Energy Festival
• Bellingen Mentor Group
• Y2A (Youth to Adults)
• Urunga Junior Nippers
• Dawn Song Children’s Centre
• Hungry Head RSLC
• Rotary
• Cancer Council Australia
• Urunga Community Preschool
• Bellingen Hospital (Staff)
• Bellingen High School P&C
• Community Radio 2BBB-fm
• Bellingen Men’s Shed
• Bellingen Youth Centre

The next Bellingen Community Markets will be held on Saturday 25th June 2011.

For information on our wet weather policy click here

The next Belingen Community Markets will be held on Saturday 21st May 2011.

Bellingen will be bulging with visitors looking to take advantage of a town throbbing with life and the opportunity to take in all that’s on offer, Bellingen’s Agricultural Show, The Nurses Picnic & Rally to save Bellingen Hospital and us - The Bellingen Community Markets.

You’d agree that having so much on offer in the one locale should attract a healthy influx of people looking to have a great day and who else better than our BCM & its merry May muster of Marketeers.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is back with us and ready to be apart of fun. This is their third May BCM and their effort epitomises positive community action. ABMT volunteers will be taking your orders, so join in and treat yourself. They along with Relay for Life are this month’s BCM Community Group, assisting us to setup & pack-down our event and raise further funds with the booty tossed into buckets by a generous public keen to support the work of the Cancer Council.

And other items of interest and information. The recent results of our BCM Census are as yet incomplete. Thanks to those who returned theirs in April. Those forms still to be returned can be left at the office or handed to your Section Co-ordinator.

Last month electrician, Jaydon Carter checked out all the electrical equipment and leads. Overall, after tagging a few leads, we passed muster. Jaydon did offer some observations worth considering, read ‘Safe Electrics‘ for more on that.

I am often called by other community events and others asking for advice, contacts or opportunities. In this instance the call was from Toast of Urunga. Their event happens in early September and is quickly growing a crowd of interested attendees. If you have any interest to take part see ‘Toasted‘ for more details.

In “the show must go on” department; Big thanks to Rosie & the Thorns. Ms Sutherland and aforementioned ‘Thorns’ were gracious enough to juggle other engagements to help us. Stricken by the dreaded lurgi the scheduled band called Friday afternoon to cancel. BCM acts also perform after BCM at the Federal Hotel. One door closes…and another one opens enter Rosie & the Thorns. The trio’s musical credentials are impeccable, their performances honed and informed by each members ‘dues paying’ journey - real local crowd pleasers provided by providence.

The BVDRLFC have a game here tomorrow so please KEEP OFF THE PLAYING FIELD, drive at a walking pace, ALL vehicles out by 9am please, and please dispose of your waste appropriately if you are at in doubt ask one of our staff where to dispose of your stall refuse.

The football players call this park, ‘The boneyard’, Marketeers & most of the public know Bellinger Park as ‘Market Park’ but whatever you call it, every third Saturday of each month, with thanks to all its…BCM not just a marketplace but a great place to be.

Leads and the tagging and type of lead used was brought up by Jaydon who had cautioned a couple of stalls on their type of extension lead being used. These were the white office or domestic lead and not a lead for use in markets or operations were wear and tear and continual use occurs in an outside situation. Their flimsy nature is not up to it. He recommends a heavier duty tradesman quality lead and, if it is getting frequent use, tested & tagged often. Builders and other frequent user types are required to have test & tagging monthly.

In the interests of common sense & public safety we will remove any leads or points found to be running hot. It makes good business sense and OH&S sense to insure you are operating safely and with appropriate gear.

If you would like to have a craft table (crafts only, no food/drink items sorry - BYO table) along Urunga’s main street - near where the free shuttle bus drops people off to walk to the event site - then please contact Marilyn Thompson on 6655 3330 or marilynthompson@y7mail.com

Stalls will be $20 each and will need to be booked and paid for by 1 August 2010. All stalls need to be set-up by 9am at the latest, as we need to minimise vehicle movements in the local streets after this time. No shade tents can be erected but the streets have shade awnings. We will limit the number of tables to 20, and will allocate them on a first in best dressed basis.

There is a lot to tell you & so away we go…

Importantly the BCM Census forms that went out last month for you to fill in should be handed in today please. If you get the chance either drop them to us when you’re passing or hand it on to your Section Coordinator when fees are collected. Thanks in anticipation of your cooperation and time doing the form; it will hopefully provide the most definitive ‘picture’ on all aspects of our BCM.

Safety is always uppermost in our concerns for operating a safe event. We advised last month of a visit from Bellingen’s premier sparky. Plus a horror story for anyone attending a market came to me this week and gives further food for thought on safety issues. I direct & dare you to read ‘Blown Away’ herein.

As much about aesthetics as safety is the issue of vehicles in the Market Park after 9am. We have a policy of No Vehicles in the BCM and have had for a long enough time for you to know that if you don’t have authorisation from the manager, then you need to remove your vehicle or trailer. There are exceptions, disability sticker holders and food vendors being those. If you have any queries please direct them to me, otherwise when parking your car please avoid taking up parking on the Market perimeters to allow visitors access to you.

There was great concern last month for Stan & Sally who ran off the road on Shortcut Rd. Sally reports that Stan has had to attend John Hunter Hospital for some repairs but they are both otherwise ok. Not so their utility, it has gone to the happy hunting ground. Sally asked me to pass on to all their thanks and appreciation at he concern and many calls they received. We hope to see them back very soon.

Again this month we’ll have BHAG (Bellingen Hospital Action Group) so if you would like to know anything or show your support drop along and say hi. We also have Riding for the Disabled in today. This certainly is a marvellous programme and worth finding out more about, today’s the day.

Our BCM Community Group of the Month is the Bellingen Renewable Energy Fair (BREF). Already establishing a big name for their event their volunteers are ours today. They’ll be out to inform and raise funds with their info stall & raffle tickets as well as at the gates with their buckets. Apart from generating environmental awareness it is also growing good attendances to their annual event.

Music this month is courtesy of Geoff Turnbull Session who play their second BCM on the back of, as the expression goes, public demand. On stage from 10 - 2pm but if you can’t get away to see our acts during the day a lot of folk are opting to catch the BCM acts at the Federal Hotel from 5-8pm.

With the change from daylight saving time it is darkerwhen we arrive and quickly dark in the afternoon. Nobody’s cracking a whip here but it would be greatly appreciated (by me especially) if you could assist by making your pack up and departure as fast as your setup.

Have a wonderful day and make sure you send visitors home knowing why people say BCM not just a marketplace but a great place to be.