MARKET in the MOUNTAINS
The Market in the Mountains has never disappointed me whenever I have attended it. Last Christmas I went to the market, which is always held in the Stanthorpe Civic Centre, just before Christmas and bought a selection of Italian sweets and a traditional Christmas cake.
Christmas treats
The women who sold me the Italian sweets have a stall at every market which always proves a popular destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Home baked Italian sweets
As I entered the Stanthorpe Civic Centre for the last of the August markets the first people I saw were my good friends Dietmar and Dorothy Gogolka. All those people who have read my book Wildflowers, wilderness and wine will know Dietmar and Dorothy as two important characters in this story about life in the wine tourism industry of the Granite Belt. Recently I received this comment from Helen Scott, after she had finished reading Wildflowers, wilderness and wine.
Dietmar and Dorothy
I devoured your book in 24 hours, didn’t put it down until I finished it. Bernie found me laughing out loud early hours of the morning. You are truly an inspiration. You are a teacher, preacher, artist, philosopher with the most wholesome attitude. You have also confirmed that a few drinks never hurt anybody.
This week we have had your steak and onion gravy casserole, and made tarts using your biscuit pastry recipe. I am now inspired to make almost everything in your book. I love the way you have opened your life for the world to read and given so much of yourselves. At times this week I have felt like I have been walking to your beautiful river with you. I dream about your fantastic Christmas feasts full of tradition. I have passed your book on to a friend of mine who is feeling a little bit of the “woe is me” syndrome. If your book doesn’t break his negative spirit then nothing will.
Dorothy and Dietmar produce a variety of tasty sauces, olive products, jams and gluten free cakes. I always have an excess of figs, grapes and boysenberries in my garden, which they come to pick every summer for their jams.
Washpool Farm Soap
This young girl was helping her mother sell handmade soap. Her brochure said Soap – Pure, Local, Affordable – Skin Friendly, Chemical Free – Eco Friendly, Biodegradable. This beautiful soap is made with select cold pressed oils (including almond, olive, rice bran, virgin coconut, apricot kernel, hemp, wheatgerm, castor, macadamia and avocado). Depending on the intended use butters are also added. These include cocoa, shea, mango, avocado and olive, as well as essential oils, herbal teas, goats milk, buttermilk and herbal extracts. No wonder the soaps displayed for my approval looked like delectable coconut ice.
For further information check out their website: www.washpoolfarm.com.au
Wood work
Modern Coth Nappies
The wood work stall probably needs no description as the photograph tells the story, but I found the Modern Cloth Nappies of great interest. These pocket nappies have a cute, waterproof outer shell, a stay-dry inner lining and a super absorbent bamboo soaker. Additional soakers can be added to boost absorbency for heavy wetters or overnight. Instructions state that the outer pocket should be washed before use. The inner soaker should be washed at least three times before use. Then the amazing promise is that the nappy will reach its maximum absorbency after 6-10 washes.
I bought one for a toddler granddaughter to try and I expect if it lives up to its promised performance, I’ll buy more. They seem like a wonderful new alternative to either the old terry nappies or expensive disposables.
Wind chimes
Another stall was selling twisted silver spoons and forks suspended from horseshoe hangers as unusual wind-chimes.
Some of the stalls I had seen at Glen Aplin and Wallangarra markets were also represented at the Market in the Mountain.
Mark Winkler was there with his Granite Highland Wines with their tartan labels. Other stalls were selling knitted goods, needlework, lavender products, garden plants, fruit and vegetables.
Wool cushions with crocheted flowers
As the market brochure states, everything exhibited at the Market in the Mountains must be made, baked, sewn or grown by the stall owner. This guarantees that only quality products are offered for sale, which in return ensures a regular attendance by the local population and tourists spending the weekend on the Granite Belt. It is a great opportunity for people to buy unique gifts or food stuffs. The Market in the Mountains is held regularly on the second and fourth Sundays each month in the Stanthorpe Civic Centre. It is a showcase for Stanthorpe Crafters & Hobbyists Asscociation Inc. Coaches are welcome and there are access and facilities for disabled persons.
Wildflowers, wilderness and wine
Wildflowers, wilderness and wine may be obtained from the publishers StrictlyLiterary or from my website http://www.australia-book.com.au
I am also publishing for free, chapter by chapter, my book The Forgotten Ones on http://fayhelwigauthor.com The story is set in Germany and illustrated with many of my photographs.
