What does the Barn Market have to offer?  Good question!  The advertising told us we would find high quality, unique Tasmanian products.  We love that.  But as usual, we had to actually visit in person to decide for ourselves if the event lived up to expectations.  So we ventured along to Rosny Farm on Hobart’s Eastern Shore for the special twilight Barn Market.  And it was great!

The Barn Market is held at historic Rosny Farm on Hobart's Eastern Shore

The Barn Market: Rosny Farm

You may realise that markets are pretty high on the agenda at Think Tasmania.  We’ve written about several markets and shopping venues already, and you’ve said “give us more!”.  So why did we choose this particular market?  Convenient location; convenient time.  That’s all.  Like everything we aim to cover, there’s lots of options all over the state, and every place has highlights.  This is the one place we could be, at this one time!

The Rosny Barn is actually a pretty impressive highlight alone.  The Clarence City Council commenced a restoration process about 20 years ago, transforming the dilapidated stone building into a venue for concerts and exhibitions.  Built about 1818, possibly by an ex-convict, it was originally used as farm storage for hay and grain.  Now, the acoustics are perfect for musical performances.

Beautiful harp music greets shoppers at the Barn Market

Pieces of Apple Jelly

Helen Mansbridge (pictured very top left) owns Pili Pala Pieces and is also the co-ordinator of the Barn Market.  She revealed the event is so popular with stall holders, applications have been received from about 100 business owners.  Space is shared between applicants, with the aim of providing variety for shoppers.  Only artisans who design and produce top quality, hand-made Tasmanian goods are likely to be accepted.

Pili Pala Pieces made by Barn Market co-ordinator Helen Mansbridge

So what’s good for the customer is also good for the seller.  With hot competition for every dollar, especially during the peak Christmas trade, there’s an incentive to offer a new and interesting range that no-one has seen before.  Just like the delicious treats sold by Mad About Apples.  The first stall we came across at the Barn Market belonged to Melita Beard, and we made our first purchase inside a minute!

Mad About Apples: especially when they're dipped in caramel and chocolate!

Any good shopping experience involves food, and the Barn Market is no exception.  The twilight version energised after-work shoppers with a snack or a coffee, and even provided a wine-tasting opportunity.  Once inside, you could taste other goodies including fudge and a great array of jams, jellies, pickles and sauces from What’s In The Cupboard.

What's in the Cupboard? Quince Jelly, for one thing!

Put Your Creative Genes On!

Some of the stall holders were a little reluctant to have their products photographed.  Some even joked that I might use the images to replicate their creativity.  Absolutely no danger there.  That’s why people like me, without a creative bone to speak of, shop at markets.  It’s great to meet people who are really passionate about their products, creating something special that hasn’t been imitated.

David from My Mother Mabel with his hand-cut and polished plywood jewellery

There’s no doubting that all the stall holders at the Barn Market are very talented and hard-working.  Many of them have a full schedule of market appearances.  They join projects to promote the Tasmanian makers community.  And then in their spare time, in-between family commitments, they return to their workshops to re-stock.

Narelle from Ruby Victoria Letterpress has a workshop in Battery Point

Hats off to them.  We’ll be doing what we do best: promoting this clever local industry.  We’ll publish a series of articles over the next few months giving an in-depth look at some of these bright operators and their products.  After all, a market experience is often one of the highlights on a Tasmanian travel itinerary.

Secret Craft Business: special resin pieces made for NosMos by Hiedi & Rodney

Quaint purses, made for the Barn Market by Giggling Gertie

The Barn Market Stall Holders…

• Flatpack Bakers
• Mad About Apples
• NosMos
• Pili Pala Pieces
• Ruby Victoria Letterpress & Printmaking

Barn Market Video

We put together a little slideshow of images from the Barn Market (with music, of course!) if you’d like to see more.  You won’t be able to resist marking your diary for the next event.

The next Barn Market will be held at Rosny Farm
next door to Eastlands on Saturday 26 November 10:00-3:00
Helen reckons it will be the best yet, with everyone unleashing all their
Christmas gear.  More food, more music and more fun things to do
spread over the entire historic Rosny Farm site.  See you there!

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Map: Barn Market, Rosny…

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