The weather held off for our annual Christmas Makers Market, and we had a wonderful community morning on Saturday. We were thrilled to have some lovely community minded folk from Rotary helping out on the BBQ. Thanks Kevin (you may know him for his lovely bonsai trees that he has sold at our markets in the past) for suggesting that your Rotary friends might be able to get involved.

We’d also like to thank Nelson Alexander for helping us get the word out about the market with 2 signboards and some coreflutes. We really appreciate having an ongoing relationship with a local real estate agent. We couldn’t possibly do any large and flashy advertising without their help.

Thanks to all the makers that participated on the day including our local CWA. There was a super variety of things to purchase. Lots of jewellery, jam, plants, gorgeous craft and some super recycled bags … just to name a few.

Lots of kids got into our crafty Christmas project that recycled a jar lid into a nature based Christmas decoration. And we had all our community art projects out on display. It was nice for everyone attending to see what Blind Date with a Book is about, and to be able to collect an Honestly letter (sometimes it is hard to make it down to the shops in time to grab one before they all go!).

Thanks again shoppers, seller and crafty kids. Aren’t we lucky to live in such a great local neighbourhood!

Our community Christmas tree is up. Thanks to everyone who did a little drawing for it!

A photo of Lee doing the finishing touches and stringing the metal ‘tinsel’ with washer ‘baubles’.

You may have seen the Blind Date with a Book stand at Station Street, but did you know that we also have a ‘home’ version that we put out on our corner? It is usually out there on Thursdays, and will also have it out this Saturday at the Makers Market. This stand also hosts our Craftberry Jam jars.

So … you can pop past for a free mystery book and a free crafty project. So much community goodness!

Here’s a photo of Scout and her owner, when they stopped to take a look last week.

Alphingtonians who have been missing Friday night family fun at the Alphington Bowls Club will be VERY pleased to hear that barefoot bowls has resumed on Friday nights from 4pm.

Bar service. A gorgeous (and handy) location in Alphington Park. Pop in and catch up properly with all those people you have been smiling at (behind your mask) as you’ve been out on your neighbourhood walks for the last six months …

This week our letter to the neighbourhood is from an arts festival producer. And it’s quite a sobering read. For those households impacted by the shutdowns but NOT eligible from Jobkeeper this letter really brings home what a tough year it has been. Collect your letter from the butcher shop window and find out how your neighbour has managed … and read about the dilemmas and challenges her family faced.

How interesting is this project? Helping us all have a bit of a wider view and more empathy …