GALLERY: Loss turns to new love and market stall

By Alex Gretgrix

Wayne Simpson and Kerrilyn Hutchinson Lincoln at their custom soap stall on Saturday morning. NCN PHOTOS

WHAT began as a way of coping has turned into a beautiful keepsake Kerrilyn Hutchinson Lincoln can spread joy through her market stall.

Before COVID, she was decorating engagement and wedding cakes.

But the pandemic put a stop to that quite quickly.

“I needed something to do, and I already had the flower molds there, so I thought about making soaps,” she said.

“I lost my husband in 2021, so it also turned from a hobby to something that could get me through that grief.”

Ms Huthinson Lincoln can now know her pieces can brighten someone’s day, and leave their homes smelling brilliant.

“It’s just something nice that I can share with others now.”

She was one of a few makers showing off their skills and trades at the new St Arnaud Country Market on Saturday morning.

A decent crowd and stall holders from across the region came together to support the newly formed event.

“We’re really happy with this first market,” president Nikaela Perry said.

“And we’ve already got more people signed up for next month.

“We’re so excited to see this all grow.”

Other stalls included a range of nursery and plant goods, sweet treats and coffee, western clothing and more.

Attendees were also treated to live music from Patrick Tully

Wycheproof residents Tracey and Ellie Pardella said they were excited to keep making the trip over to St Arnaud for future markets.

“It’s been such a lovely day, beautiful weather for it,” Tracey said.

“We used to come across back when they used to have a market here [in St Arnaud], so we’re glad to be coming back.