Two minibuses left the police station car park at 9.00am for the trip to the Kerikeri Christmas market. Bruce and Richard got us there in good time and as we turned for the car park, the road was all coned off and we had to wait for the traffic wardens to beckon us across. That was when somebody remembered that it was the day for the half marathon! Some of the runners/walkers were still completing the course. We found a space in the very full car park and went our separate ways to look around.
The market is large and spread over a wide area with stalls selling a huge variety of goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, paintings, handbags and shopping bags. Christmas gifts and much more. When everyone was shopped out we got back in to the buses and drove the short distance to Redwood garden centre for lunch. Most of us decided to have lunch first and then look round as it was nearly 1.00pm. The menu was very varied as was the choice of the club members and everyone seemed to be happy with it (I ate the largest sandwich I have ever seen). The gardens are well laid out and many plants chosen appearing to outweigh the purchases from the market! We arrived back in Onerahi a bit tired after an enjoyable day.
With thanks to Ann Hewitt for this report.
