Classic songs like Hoki Mai floated across the Senior Citizens’ carpark as members of the Ukulele Group Ōpōtiki warmed up the crowd on Saturday.

Stalls sold jams, preserves, used clothes and toys; craftspeople displayed a variety of goods and there was second-hand furniture to browse

The occasion was a kind of “home coming” for the Ōpōtiki Lions Club’s monthly market which has been absent from the CBD area for several years.

“The Lions Market Day celebrates our community, selling donated goods to raise funds for funds community causes,” Ōpōtiki Lions president James Crosswell said.

When he began supporting Lions 40 years ago it was called our “Paddy’s Market”, and over the years it has supported the likes of Ōpōtiki College, St John Ambulance, the volunteer fire brigade, coast guard and many others, he said.

The market sells everything from a needle to an anchor and although prices are kept low, the club still managed to present around $10,000 annually to local causes last year.

The Lions can come to your door and pick up donated items, Crosswell said.

“You’ll find plenty of things that are high quality or near new, sometimes having been donated by folk moving out of town, downsizing or even from deceased estates.

“Our inventory is ever-changing, so the best thing is to get down here on the second Saturday of the month to see what’s on offer.”

Crosswell added that for club members, Saturday’s market day was like coming full circle.

“I can remember that many years ago we helped the Senior Citizens build this building and our market day used to be located in the Low Bucks building, which previously stood just over the road.

“We lost our Low Bucks venue when the then council mistakenly listed it as an earthquake risk and had it demolished.

“That knocked us back, though we set up at Woodlands Hall and ran quite successfully there for several years.”

The rural setting at Woodlands was great, but being five kilometres out of town limited customers.

Parking had to be on a grassed area, which also made the event more weather dependant.

“Now we have ample parking and are keen to attract those who enjoy driving or walking to the CBD.

“Today’s council is happy to have us here and our presence also raises the profile of the Senior Citizens Club – so that’s a win-win.”

Crosswell said there was always room for more Lions.

“If you like the idea of serving the community in a positive way do come along and discuss joining Lions. It’s a friendly club and there’s great interactions to be had with fellow members and the public at large.”