Following a gradual decline in support and despite the committee having explored various other options, organisers have decided to close the Hout Bay Lions craft market during winter, with its reopening scheduled for September 1.
In an official letter to the crafters, president of the Hout Bay Lions Club Liz Huckle confirmed that the closing period would be dedicated to brainstorming ways to restore the market to the vibrant and dynamic one it once was.
“As you all know we are competing with numerous new markets that have sprung up over the years and we feel it is imperative that we make some positive changes to keep up with modern trends and demands whilst still keeping the core crafters and Lions values intact,” she said in the letter.
“We feel that to keep the market going at all costs with just a few crafters is not in anyone’s interest, is counter-productive and will not attract more customers or crafters. We have all witnessed cars driving into the car park casting a quick look around and driving straight out again.”
According to the committee’s treasurer, the figures for the corresponding months last year indicated that not only was the market operating at a loss
but it also had to be cancelled for 14 Sundays, due to bad weather.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, it was touch and go whether the market would continue to operate on the common, after problems with renewing the lease with the City of Cape Town. It was thanks to the intervention of then mayor Patricia de Lille that the market secured a new home, with paved pathways and a parking lot, making it more accessible to the public.
Resident Nicholas Staub suggested the Lions look for a space in the harbour, “as that’s where everyone is”.
“The market is suffering at its current location, it is time for a change,” he said.
“I understand that a lot of money was used in developing the area, but from what the market used to be to what it is now, is hectic.”
Dorothy Southern noted on the Hout Bay Organised Facebook group: “When we were there in April and May, there was a burnt out car in the common’s parking lot. I didn’t think that was a great advertising strate-
gy for tourists coming
through.”
Sentinel tried to make contact with some of the crafters, but was unable to do so by the time this edition went to
print.
To share your views, send an email to kenya.davids@inl.co.
za
