RED HILL COMMUNITY MARKET sprung from ideas of a tudor style market to cater to the many and varied crafts people who had chosen Red Hill as their home. Also the orchards offered great produce and many people were looking for the “alternate lifestyle”on their few acres.growing plants vegetables sheep for their wool and many other types of produce.
Four local families were involved initially, now Cathy Thompson, Beth Wilson and Carole Stapleton are the organisers
The response to the first market was exciting and very enthusiastic and the market grew steadily as more and more people turned their hobbies into full time craft work. From this came the pleasure of direct contact with their customers and the feedback from which they could generate their creativity.
Young mothers could work from home to supplement the family income and senior folk found new interest for their talents
The markets are a meeting place for catching up with old friends and distant relatives and for making new friends, the atmosphere is one of friendliness enthusiasm and pleasure.
The market is a showcase of peoples talent and creativity, the range is wide and varied.
Besides an extensive variety of fine food, produce and plants, the market has some wonderful wood craftsmen who display their pieces with pride. Richard Davis not only makes a beautiful ironbark hall table but a wonderful range of brentwood benches, chairs,
Jason Mc Kinleys father began with the market in the early years with a great range of pine outdoor furniture, His swinging seat is a best seller and Jason continues to make the fine furniture his father created.
Brett Bancroft makes his unique furniture out of unsawn timber and his designs are quite clever
Glass has made a resurgence in popularity and you won’t find a better craftsperson than Seeber whose copper foiled boxes, butterflies jewellery along with his slumped platters etc are a joy to behold.. Cindy Durant has a nautical theme to her glass and Helen Lewis makes wonderful mobiles with moons stars hearts etc.
The stallholders who cater for the fashions come up with new styles and colours for each season, Do you realise it is 20 years since we saw the first painted windcheater?? Childrens clothes of fine quality are always popular, as are the great range of teddies ,soft toys, wooden toys and puzzles, nursery furniture
We always endeavour to keep the face of the market changing, this way we keep the market fresh and interesting.
Jenny Thomas’s clocks are fascinating. Jan Gustavsen’s bathing boxes are very popular, too,
We have our own easelologist Ted Lever who keeps our artists supplied with all their requirements; a delightful man with an equally delightful wife
Red Hill continues to serve the market public with the best Victoria can offer and will continue to do so for the next 20 years.