Long time Raglan local Deb King’s name is synonymous with the Raglan Creative Market.
Retiring in November after seven years as the market coordinator, she will be a huge loss to the market.
But she says, “it’s time for someone else with a new vision for the market to take over.”
It will be bittersweet for Deb, who has created a real sense of community amongst the stall holders and market-goers alike.
“I love working with our stallholders. Around 50 per cent are locals and half of those are regulars to the market. Some have been here since the beginning,” she says.
“It’s important we have good communication and the stallholders feel like they have a say in how we operate. At the end of the day, the market is nothing without the stallholders.”
During her time at the market helm, Deb has experienced the highs and lows of most small enterprises.
One of the highs has been the themed markets. A dog mum herself to beautiful Belgian Shepherd Willow, Deb loved the Scruffs market.
“It was a spoof on the poncy English dog show, Crufts,” she laughs.
With categories such as best handbag dog (small dogs), love my looooong legs (tall dogs), I’m so good (obedience), mirror image (dog most like its owner), please, please (waggiest tail), Lord/Lady of the land (loudest bark) and coolest dude (calm dog), Deb says it was a very successful and fun market.
On the low side of market life was the COVID pandemic, which closed the markets for a period of time and then affected the way it was able to operate for a while after.
“It was tough during COVID, the mandates impacted our community and the market.”
Another contender for market low points is the weather.
Deb keeps a close eye on the forecast in the lead up to market day.
“We’ve had some really bad summer weather over the last few years, which is our prime market season.”
On the flip side, when the sun is shining and town is pumping, the market really comes into its own.
“The atmosphere is magic; it’s when we have our largest number of stallholders because they know Raglan on a good day is a good day for the market.”
Despite these setbacks, Deb works hard at building relationships; she says it’s key to the smooth-running of the market.
Retirement for Deb means…
Handing over the market to the new coordinator will be like handing over her baby, but Deb is keen to provide support however she can.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what fresh eyes and new energy can bring to the market.”
by Janine Jackson
