THE East Fremantle Lions Club kick off monthly riverside markets tomorrow (Sunday, January 21), with the launch made more poignant by a quirky connection which only recently came to light.

When president Alan Springett was organising the very local and crafty markets, he had no idea the Lions had a special connection with Norm McKenzie reserve where they’ll be held.

But after club member Bill Nichols’ recent death, his family donated a photo album which showed him and other members building the picnic tables and playground at the reserve back in 1977.

A good scout around the park uncovered a hand-painted sign commemorating their work that’s survived 40 years, though it’s so faded as to be barely legible these days.

• East Fremantle Lions Club president Alan Springett with a pic of members creating Norm McKenzie Reserve’s facilities in 1977; the sign recognising their efforts is behind him, barely legible after 40 years. Photo by Steve Grant

Mr Springett says East Freo’s probably the smallest club in the state, so small they’ve had to rope in the Fremantle and Booragoon chapters to help with the markets.

He says they’re modelled on the successful Kalamunda Markets, though obviously more modest at this stage, and proceeds will be donated to the Richmond Public School.

The Lions hoping the markets might also be a recruitment tool; with Cyril Lees topping the membership at 95-years-old, they’re a bit long in the tooth and need some new blood.

The East Fremantle Riverside Markets are being held from 9.30am to 2pm, and there’ll be almost 40 stalls offering up their wares. The Lions are chucking some sausages on a barbie and there’ll also be a coffee cart.

by STEVE GRANT