An empty church and a desire to brighten up the neighbourhood inspired Sue Morgan and a couple of friends to hold market days on Durie Hill.
The monthly Sunday markets, held at St Barnabas Church in Maxwell Ave, have raised funds to install garden beds and planter boxes in publicspaces.
Morgan said stall fees are also fed back into the general fund to pay for children's entertainment at the markets.
The Durie Hill Bowling Club has provided outdoor furniture for visitors to sit and enjoy food and drinks provided by stallholders and there have been seed swaps and repair cafes at previous markets.
This Sunday, there will be 30 stalls, free face painting and Christmas streamer making for children, and even a demonstration on how to make your own sauerkraut.
Te Puna Ako Ki Totara Puku Open Day When: From 9.30am Where: Patapu St, Whanganui East Details: Kindergarten open day with a bouncy castle, face painting and icecreams on sale to raise funds for playground development.
Whanganui Toy Library When: 9.30am-11.30am Where: 142 London St (next to SPCA) Details: Let the Children Play - for anyone interested in toy libraries.
Logan Hughes, two, plays with wooden toys in Wanganui toy library's under three room.
River City Artists When: 9.30am-4pm Where: Christ Church Community Hall, 243 Wicksteed St Details: Beginners to established artists. Contact Val 343 6316 or 027 459 9448.
Swan Lake When: 7.30pm Where: Royal Wanganui Opera House Details: The Imperial Russian Ballet presents the story that crosses the world of magic and mystical creatures with that of the real world. Book at Ticketek.
Thoughtful Thursday When: 6.30pm Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St Details: Searching for Sugar Man - Malik Bendjelloul's film follows two South Africans as they set out to discover what happened to 1970s rock 'n' roller, Rodriguez. Book at www.confluence.kiwi or call 06 281 3474.
Twinkle Toes at St Paul's When: 10am-11.15am Where: St Paul's Hall, Cooks St Details: Music for preschoolers. Gold coin entry.
Stargazing When: 7pm Where: Ward Observatory, Cooks Gardens, St Hill St Details: Entry is by donation (suggested $2). Call Ross 027 245 8066 with queries.
Kessel Charmed Release Party When: 9pm Where: Lucky Bar + Kitchen, 53 Wilson St Details: Kessel celebrate single release with guest support from Rockquest regional winners In Business. $10 at the door.
Walking tours When: 10am and 2pm today and Sunday Where: Whanganui i-Site Details: Learn about Whanganui's history, buildings and people. $10 per person. Book at Whanganui i-Site. To book another time phone 349 0508.
Christmas at the Races When: From 10am Where: Wanganui Racecourse, Purnell St Details: An action-packed day of entertainment including fantastic food and drink, live music and thrilling racing action.
Fakes & Forgeries 2019 When: From 10am Where: State Highway 1, Mangaweka Details: Opening of the world-famous annual art rip-off show. Children's exhibition, market stalls, live entertainment. Winners will be announced at 1pm.
Ebony Lamb Sound Session When: 7pm Where: Space Studio & Gallery, 66 Taupo Quay Details: A special Sound Session featuring one of Aotearoa's coolest, most sultry voices. $15. Limited places, booking advised - email sarah@spacestudiogallery.co.nz to reserve your ticket.
ColdxWar, Mr. Sudden Death, Happy Valley When: 9pm Where: Lucky Bar + Kitchen Details: Hosted by Mr. Sudden Death, two crushing bands from Wellington bring a night of good vibes and epic music. $10 at the door.
Races After Party 2019 When: 9.30pm Where: Frank. Bar + Eatery, 98 Victoria Ave Details: Mr Postman and Polymerge Productions entertain. $20 at the door.
Durie Hill Village Market When: 11am-2pm Where: St Barnabas Church, Maxwell Ave Details: Free face painting and Christmas decoration making for the kids. A sauerkraut making demonstration at 11.30am. Stalls $10 - email duriehillmarket@gmail.com
Wanganui Male Choir When: 2.30pm Where: Central Baptist Church, Wicksteed St Details: Magical male voices present a concert of traditional songs with guest Shontae Arthur on piano. Adults $20, students and children free.
Dancesport Wanganui When: 7pm-9.30pm Where: St Andrews Hall, Bell St Details: Dancesport Wanganui invites dancers to a monthly social dance followed by supper. Christmas theme. Ballroom, new vogue, Latin. Masquerade theme. Members $5, non-members $10. Contact Kathleen 3442245 or Graeme 0274341823
TUESDAY
Whanganui & Partners Public Forum When: 5.15pm Where: Whanganui War Memorial Centre, Watt St Details: An opportunity to hear updates and learn about major projects. RSVP to info@whanganuiandpartners.nz by December 2.
Twilight Walk When: 6pm Where: Meet at Gull service station, Victoria Ave Details: Wanganui Tramping Club guided walk around St John's Hill walkways with a side trip to the wetland at Mt St Joseph's. No charge. All welcome.
WEDNESDAY
Knit and yarn When: 10am-noon Where: Ladies' Rest, 75 St Hill St Details: All knitters welcome. Gold coin entry.
If you have an item, email news@whanganui chronicle.co.nz with details. The deadline for information about events from, and including, Thursday, December 5, to Wednesday, December 11, is noon Tuesday, December 3.