The Kapunda Community Craft Shop, as it is now known, was originally formed by parents of the Kapunda Primary School at a Public Meeting held on 24 July 1976.

The shop opened it's doors on 9 August 1976, in premises owned by Faye Forrest Beauty Salon (now commonly known as Hairway to Heaven).  The shop continued to trade until Mrs Forest sold her business and because of the lack of a suitable premises to trade, it closed it's doors on 4 August 1979.

A member of the community Pam Reichelt felt the community need and opened a Craft Shop (in the carpeted area of the building currently being used as the Salvation Army Shop), with local ladies supplying craft.  She operated the shop on a volunteer basis in late 1979, but was forced yet again to close in June 1983 due to the premises being sold.

Negotiations took place with Past District Clerk, Barry Dempster to rent part of the Thompson Building in Hills Street.  The Kapunda Community Craft Shop was allowed again to trade on 25 November 1983 and was opened by Mr Terry Hemmings, Minister of Local Government.  He was quoted at the time saying that he was impressed with the beautiful display of handicrafts, and that it was a sign that local communities were the mainstay of the State.

The Kapunda Community Craft Shop has been generously supported by a team of keen local volunteers since 1979.   Some members were supplying on loan, fixtures and furniture to get the shop operational. This occurred in 1983, which incidentally are still being used to this very day.  Even though some of those people are no longer able to work, (some have health issues and unfortunately some are no longer with us) their interests are still to "Keep that Shop going". 

The Volunteers that run the shop, although some of them have some health problems, feel they are being useful by operating this unique little shop. - "for the Community, at little costs to the Community".  They are proudly supporting their town in their own way and enjoy the opportunity to do so.

During 2001, the Year of the Volunteer, the volunteer workers of the Kapunda Community Craft Shop gathered together at Bergnor's Vault for a Devonshire morning tea. Currently, there are a team of 17 volunteers contributing towards keeping the shop operational and having the doors open as much as possible for local customers and the many visitors whose support is greatly appreciated.

During the past 20 years, the members of the Kapunda Community Craft Shop have had much pleasure in donating their profits to many local organizations including: Kapunda Kindergarten, Kapunda Primary School, Kapunda High School, Kapunda High School Community Sporting Complex, Kapunda BMX Club, Kapunda Tourist Committee, Kapunda Show Society, Kapunda CWA, Kapunda Homes,  Kapunda - "Map the Miner" Project, Kapunda - Kidman Bust. Kapunda Scout and Guide Group, Kapunda Day Care Centre, The Lions Hill Street Playground, Kapunda Ladies Golf Open, Kapunda Main Street Committee, the Anti Cancer Foundation, Salvation Army, Royal Society for the Blind,  and the Kapunda Hospital Helipad Project. 

10 barrels, 10 roses, 11 replacement roses, bush and carpet roses and an irrigation system were purchased for Hill Street, Kapunda  and 9 Olympic Gold Roses and 2 replacement roses were purchased for Dutton Park Sporting Complex in Kapunda.

The Kapunda Community Craft Shop members, currently 54+ financial members in 2008, feel very confident that they receive great enthusiasm and support from visitors who chat, sign The Visitors Book and purchase the majority of goods, many on their continued return visits from interstate and overseas and the locals who call in on a regular basis to purchase homemade jams, biscuits, and crafts. 

The shop is totally reliant on volunteers, so new volunteers are welcome, as is anyone interested in being a member - $10.00 a year to supply handicrafts, jams, biscuits etc for sale, or $3 a year to be a member. Please ask the volunteer at the shop for more information or phone  (08) 8565 6630  or  (08) 8566 2241.

We are very proud and offer Congratulations and a sincere Thank You - Nancy Nitschke - a quiet achiever, an extremely dedicated volunteer, and a financial member since the concept of the Kapunda Community Craft Shop was developed in 1976!

Tuesday, 15 June 2010
© Copyright 2009 Jacqui  Bridge - E & OE, Information may change without prior notice