Our new brochure is out. We’ve created a trimmed down version for semester 1 2021. You can read it here. It is jam packed with old favourites like playgroups and choir and new ideas including a range of short courses, workshops and events you can book in to.

• Women in the Shed is back on Monday (for beginners), Tuesday and Thursday for 6 weeks in Term 1 and 2.

• Our free Access All Abilities Bowls program run with Alphington Bowls Club is back for 6 weeks in term 1 and 2.

• Our new Drawing in the Shed short course will also run for 6 weeks in Term 1 and 2. Run by local artist Louisa, this is a low-cost opportunity for all members of the community to develop the observation and co-ordination skills necessary to make creative drawings in any style. It will cover contour drawing, creating creative compositions, drawing with perspective and more.

• In 2019 we had Gordon come along and run a sewing machine maintenance workshop. It was a fantastic morning and so we’ve rebooked him this year. On Saturday 1 May he will run a sewing machine maintenance workshop and then on Saturday 17 June he will run an overlocker maintenance workshop.

• Local Manu is keen to share her Indian cooking skills with us … starting with a chai tea making workshop (Sunday 9 May). $20. Book here.

• Our History Walk is back! Join local Anne and other history buffs for a stroll around South Alphington on Sunday 16 May from 2pm.

• And finally … Home maintenance 101. It’s a maintenance kind of year it seems … and on the weekend of 19 & 20 June we’re offering a two day workshop (only $50 with Learn Local funding) all about building home maintenance skills. How to unblock a drain, how to stop a cistern running, how to fix a hose leak, how to hang pictures and fix cracks in plaster. How to fix windows that stick … (depending how old your house is the list goes on and on right?).

Book in online today.

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!

As you know, we are busy planning our Christmas Makers Market on Saturday the 5th of December. And … what fun is an outdoor market without a sausage sizzle?

If you are handy with a pair of tongs, and rock an apron, we’d really appreciate your help for an hour. We’ll need help setting up and getting the snags on from 9.30am, and then help with cooking and serving at 10am, 11am and 12pm.

If you’d like to volunteer please email Kalimna here.

After cooking or selling a few sausages you can then of course explore the stalls and hopefully find some lovely things to give for Christmas gifts to the ones you love!

We’re super excited to let you know that we will be holding our annual Christmas Makers Market this year.

If you are a local maker and you’d like to book a stall you can do so on our website. Click here. They cost $20.

If you are a local shopper … COME ALONG!

This will be an outside event on the corner, in the garden and along the footpath at ACC. It will include the stalls (of course) along with a community BBQ and some lovely Christmassy craft activities for kids and their adults.

Put the date in your diary.

Keen to buy a face mask or two? Ours are made by locals (people from Alphington CWA and our craft group) specifically for you - our locals. They cost $10 and come in a variety of colours. You can now visit our online shop to order by clicking here. Or look for the link on our website.

Alternatively you can pop past on Wednesday (5 August) from 12-2pm to buy in person. We have around 100 in stock (thanks makers!) so shop away!

And …

1. We know you think you want black … but remember, a nice bright colour or a fun pattern is more likely to cheer you up!

2. When you head out, try tucking a little piece of lavender or lemon verbena (or some other lovely smelling herb) just inside your mask - to add a spark of joy to the whole experience!

A little in joke for all of the glasses wearers!