Wollombi Australia Day Holiday Markets

Date: 05-Feb-08
Author: Gillian James
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This Australia Day market was the best and biggest ever.

Caroline and Francisca from Mulla Villa again answered phone queries from stall holders but had not expected to take 25-30 per day for the four weeks beforehand! Enquiries were still coming in on the day of the markets from visitors as well as stall holders. Despite the January date, with weather conditions unknown, all the indications were pointing to a bumper day.

We did appreciate The Hunter Imag, CCC, OON, Hunter Wine Country, The Advertiser, Alison Davey's Diary Dates in the Independent, Markets and Fairs and the website www.wollombi.nsw.au promoting the event as well as endorsement from Wollombi Progress Assn.

As a result all stall sites were filled . There was a good variety ranging from a didgeridoo player and maker, to plants and herbs, antiques, craft, hand painted clothes, hats and shoes, the usual bric-a-brac, tools and Yabbies. The many visitors and kids were locals and nearly locals from Cessnock, also Singleton, Newcastle, some from Sydney and a large number from the Central Coast. Gold coins dropped into the buckets at the gates totalled well over $2000.

The hot food shed buzzed with sales with its appetizing menu served by its streamlined work team . Alongside, the rustic tea room was busily taking orders from the selection of delicious homemade slices, vegie fare, and sandwiches. Always enjoyed was the ever popular Devonshire Tea with freshly baked scones and homemade jam.

A big thank you to all the hard working volunteers and those setting up before gates opened, with mowing, marking out on damp grass, getting supplies, carting BBQ's and benches, printing signs and finally the clean up team at the end of the day who left the grounds spotless.

However despite the generous supply of bins from Council, there was a mountain of cartons and boxes left behind posing a real problem of disposal. The photo shows how this was solved - stomped on and then recycled into an eroded paddock hole in a nearby property. Quite a job!

The proceeds from this successful fund raiser will go to the projects of Wollombi Tidy Valleys, Wollombi Tennis Club, and to the maintenance of the historic Church buildings in the Valley.

Gillian James.