A WARM AND HAPPY MARKET

There is a new market in town and, for a change, it is happens on a weekday which is why the Hills and Plains Seedsavers included it in our recent trip to visit the gardens of two of our members. I arrived at 10.30am and at first glance thought this was just another little market.....until I started talking to the people.

 

Here is a collage of all the people I talked to. Each has a story of how they came to be there. They are people not so much doing a job but sharing their dreams. Every single thing at that market was something I would be happy to buy and mostly things that I already do have in my life in one way or another.

 

I think the whole success of the market culture, which is springing up everywhere these days, is as much to do with the people as with what they are selling. Sure, they are selling great stuff, but most organic foods and products can be bought from shops such as Wilson's organics.

 

So why do people flock to markets such as this one?

When I was a kid, there was a big community fete culture and I loved going with my father, who had infinite patience, to local fund-raising fetes put on by charities, schools and businesses. We would wander around the outdoor stalls, which usually included  biscuits and cakes, knitted and crocheted clothing and dolls' clothes (which was what I was always after), tea and coffee, plants (which my father usually had donated to), home made toffees and lollies, second hand books and what was usually called a white elephant stall, selling anything they could get hold of in the way of second hand stuff. My father always chatted to the stall holders, kids ate toffee apples and other sticky treats and everyone was happy.

The last 20 years or more has seen these lovely, open air, charity events dwindle and, instead, charity shops have opened. School fetes are no longer run by parent groups selling home made goodies and old fashioned fun as parents all seem too busy these days. Insurance has become an issue for fund raising events and red tape too. So I think the market is the modern version, providing browsing space and a happy atmosphere along with people who have a passion for their wonderful products.

 

When you visit the Grange Organic and Sustainable Living Market, take a few moments to talk to the people; real people with stories and dreams to share. Afterwards you can go for a walk on the beach, just a few metres away.

Open 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 9.30 - 2pm. Grange Uniting Church Hall, 5 Beach St., Grange

Click here for more photos.