From the Golden Quill 315, Apr.2 2014
With one more market to go before the end of term, it seems a good time to reflect on this year’s progress.
After a fairly slow start with stallholders and patrons, and a re-organising and delegating of various roles, each market has grown successively, with last week’s being an ALL-TIME HIGHLIGHT.
Jo Shipley in front of his grandparents food stall
The volume of trade has grown to a point that growers now have an economic incentive to participate and have their own stalls. Last week this included Julie Coverley with spray free tree-ripened apples, The Sheed family with corn, Wolery Organics and Shipley’s Organic Meat and Eggs.
I am very grateful to those vendors that have persisted throughout the market’s infancy, to provide the opportunity that now exists.
Basket of local veg from the local food co-op stall
The Local Food Co-Op has been very busy, and are half-way to buying a dehydrator which will be available on loan to the community. We have also been able to donate food for members and families of The Denmark Friends of the Forest to assist their anti-logging campaign in Walpole.
Students from Denmark Primary School Cl. 6/7 stall
Also, last week Denmark Primary School had a very successful stall selling sauces and preserves made by the students, and it was a joy to see all the children playing together on the oval.
Nature’s Nest Display
Finally many thanks to Lydia Kenyon and Kira Schimmelpfennig for all the work on the market’s publicity. We have new posters, fliers and e-maillers, and a Facebook page. Thanks also to Genevieve Yap for subsidising the crèche to provide for parents of younger children the opportunity to be involved either through volunteering or having a stall.
Simone Coleman chatting to Ian Parmenter
Yesterday I was talking to celebrity chef Ian Parmenter, who was a founding committee member of the Margaret River growers’ market about food markets. And it got me thinking about the different flavours of each town’s market. In reading back over the events of this term, I 
am happy to see that the word Community in our name is truly reflected in our deeds.
We also had a very successful day promoting the markets at the Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday 29 March. Described by the organisers as the most vibrant stall at the expo, we represented 19 growers and producers, as well as the Seed Savers Network.
Cheers,
Simone, 9848 1942, simonecoleman@westnet.com.au
By Trudi Lawrance June 19, 2014 - 9:45 am
Hi Simone
Would you please email the dates for market days June/July. Is there one tomorrow?
Sorry, couldn’t get in touch earlier – had to dash off to Perth.
Managed to get the Olive Oil – would have bread, eggs and oil for tomorrow. Very reasonably priced at $12.50 for a 750ml bottle.
Many thanks.
Cheers
Trudi