Ruby Bay Store continues rockin’
Carol Cromie and Kester Macfarlane at Ruby Bay. Photo: Supplied.
FIONA NELSON
After opening over a year ago, the Ruby Bay Store has established itself as a well-loved and frequented venue for a variety of entertainment in the Tasman region.
The original Blue Horizon Tearooms were established in 1943 and have since been refurbished, becoming the Ruby Bay Store, the small 36-seat performance venue/theatre.
It was Kester Macfarlane’s dream to provide an entertainment space for the local community with speakers, movies, and live music.
It was also to be a space for the local community to come together to build skills and knowledge around topical issues and current affairs.
Sadly, Kester passed away in October last year, leaving his wife Carol Cromie, his niece Anna, and Chrissie Small to complete the project and continue his legacy.
And, it hasn’t been easy.
It has been a long process to get the necessary approvals and licences from the council. But they have persevered and are continuing to offer a wide selection of live entertainment or films each week.
Chrissie is particularly excited about the upcoming Comedy Showcase with five local comedians performing at 7pm on Saturday, 26 August.
She hopes the store will be a place where comedians can hone their craft.
“It will help give people a place where they can be inspired to give stand-up a go, and if we get a good response, we can incorporate new talent,” says Chrissie.
Children’s songwriter and entertainer Kath Bee will be appearing at the Ruby Bay Store at 2pm on 3 September.
Kath has been a multiple APRA award winner for best children’s music. Her new book is being released on 1 September, which is also a song, written with New Zealand icon Suzy Cato, following the success of their first award winning song ‘Sprinkle A Little Sunshine’.
The Ruby Bay Store is also looking for a suitable cafe operator who could run the fully-equipped cafe side of things on site in conjunction with events. For more information about this opportunity email Chrissie at [email protected]
For event information and bookings go to the Ruby Bay Store website.