FRIDAY 4 APRIL: As the clocks wind back an hour this weekend, enjoy an “extra” hour’s sleep and consider some of these great ideas for your leisure time this Autumn. Why not pop into The Hub at Vincentia Shopping Village (shop 14), an initiative of Vincentia Matters, which is now open most Wednesday mornings for book swap and a cuppa, find something to snuggle up with on these cooler days.
Markets Galore
The first weekend of the month is always packed with excellent markets on the South Coast. Start on Saturday morning at the Milton Showground Markets where you will find around 100 stalls offering everything from fresh produce and flowers to fashion and homewares, from 9am.
Then head down to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum for the final Twilight Markets of the season, from 3pm – next month will revert to mornings. Wander around the waterside gardens, enjoy a delicious snack, stock up on relish from our writer Ben from White Feather, bop along to some live music by Twin Circus (3-5pm) and the Jazz Penguins (5-7 pm) and maybe even pop into the Museum to see the Halloran art prize finalists on display and vote for your favourite work in the People’s Choice award – if you want to see who wins, come to the announcement and early evening soiree on Saturday 26 April, tickets are now available for $15 which includes one complimentary beverage, Irish-inspired grazing table and live music by The O’Carolan Trio.
Sunday morning, it’s time to visit Culburra Beach for their monthly markets, 8am-1pm at Fred Evans Lane. Buy a ticket (or three) in an Easter fundraising raffle with three baskets of excellent prizes worth over $300 to be won, $2 each or 3 for $5.
Berry Village Markets is also on Sunday, 8am-2pm at the Berry Bowlo. Browse dozens of stalls with fresh local produce and plants, hand crafted, loads of food and a great atmosphere.
Currarong Art Trail
Open studios on a walkable trail is what makes the Currarong Art Trail so popular, as well as the fine quality of works available. Meet the makers and buy direct, supporting local artists and enjoying some gentle exercise at the same time. From 10am-2pm on Saturday 5 April.
Jervis Bay Arts Trail Exhibition
For even more beautiful work from local artists, visit the Cambewarra Estate Winery, which has a group show this month from the artists of the Jervis Bay Arts Trail. Paintings, photography and mixed media works will be on display at the venue’s community art gallery, from this Sunday 6 April, open Friday to Sunday. Vanessa Barbay will be unveiling a new painting commemorating a powerful owl that is in line with her current exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, Death’s Witness, that is on till 10 May.
Harvest Fair
Sassafras Nuts is hosting its annual Harvest Fair at the farm tomorrow, Saturday 5 April, 10am-3pm with live music, market stalls, great food and coffee, and family-friendly activities including “pick you own” chestnuts and walnuts from the orchards, $5 entry (kids under 12 free). Bring a picnic rug and enjoy relaxing under the trees.
Record Fair
The festival of vinyl is on again this Sunday 6 April at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co from midday, in conjunction with Coal Coast Record Fair. Browse crates of greats, from every genre including rock, pop, jazz and more. Unearth a rare treasure with that unmistakeable authentic crackle that only vinyl can evoke.
Mushroom Hunting
Local fungi enthusiast Marita Smith is leading a walk to learn about the fantastic world of fungi and the basics of mushroom identification tomorrow, Saturday 5 April 10am-11am $25/$10 +bf. Learn about the diversity and ecology of fungi growing on the Narrawallee foreshore, from hardy polypores to squishy boletes.
Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra
“A Classic Evening” is a concert presented by the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra tomorrow night, Saturday 5 April at the Nowra School of Arts, 6pm. Support these aspiring musicians who will perform a selection of well-known and well-loved pieces from the classical repertoire, $25/$20 (kids 12 and under free).
Plan Ahead: Lydian Singers Concert
The Shoalhaven Lydian Singers will be performing a choral concert, “Songs & Sonnets”, a jazzy rendition of Shakespeare texts, next Saturday 12 April, 5pm at Berry School of Arts and Sunday 13 April, 2pm at Nowra School of Arts, $30/$15 book online or pay at the door (kids under 12 are free). The Singers are a community choir with members aged from 18 to 80. They rehearse every Wednesday evening 6.30pm-9pm at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Nowra, and welcome new members. The choir performs three concerts a year. Visit their Facebook page or email shoalhavenlydians@gmail.com for more information.
