I must firstly make 100% clear that the following comments are not directed at anyone involved in organising or advertising the markets and the last thing I wish is for some of my first communications to be a sour introduction. Anyone who works for a community does a very good job and has my full respect.

Having said that, I like to think that fresh faces, can bring ideas and expereicnes and enthusiasim that may otherwise have wained over time.

I went to the last markets and saw an amazing amount of opportunity to make them much bigger and more exciting to attend, drawing in more exhibitors, guests, service providors and even just information about the region.

There are some great examples of very succesful markets around Perth and the country and here we have the potential to take there lead and make a name for ourselves.

Does anyone want a hand throwing around some ideas and perhaps giving the event a new look? I am happy to put my effort where my mouth is and get stuck in.

Jeff Bullock
0402 298 826

Yes, I popped down there last weekend too. It was a quiet turn out last week, maybe due to the weather - but I totally agree - it has lots of potential.

Fair play to the people who have been running it and keeping it alive these years Maybe they could do with some help. I'm not sure who runs it - anyone know? Is it the P&C?

I thought maybe Julie from the Roasted Bean could be approached. A warm cafe style takeaway coffee and muffins would go down well. (But done in a way not to overshadow the existing hot sauage and bun stand).

Somebody at the Roleystone Musican's club may be willing to provide live music. I noticed that the other music chap is gone. If the oganisers can let me know, I may be able to find someone from the club to play.

Maybe the local orchards could be approached to set up a mini growers market.

All great ideas Chris and there are plenty more. Who do we turn to for the advice on how to get involved?

I'm not sure. Does anyone know?

Maybe Amy knows - she is the P&C committee secretary: 9397 5559. Or the Primary school principal Jan Matthews.

Had a quick chat to Julie at the Roasted Bean. She doesn't have a mobile setup and is not sure if there would be enough interest to warrant such an investment at the moment.

Hi There,

I attended the Roleystone Markets this weekend and was talking to Wendy Van Der Laan. Wendy is on the market committee (running it for 8 years now) and was really interested to hear that people had been talking about the market and helping out!
She said she would love to hear from anyone who had some fresh ideas on how to spruce the market up and advertise to draw a greater crowd.

Her phone number is 9397 5029.
Please give her a call (she doesn't check the net that often) if you think can can help her.

Thanks.
Catherine

Hi Jeff,

though it has taken me a while to see this post, I am very heartened to read your comments. If you haven't already given Wendy a call, I am happy to contact her for you. She has been desperate for help for a while now.

Thanks

Amy Boughton
Secretary
Roleystone Schools P&C

I am just about to go OS for about 4 weeks and so have not started anything. Please let Wendy know that I would like to get in touch when I return and look forward to being of some help.

Cheers

Hi
My name is Ioanna and I am a fairly new resident in Roleystone, having made my tee-change this time last year!
I Love that we have the markets in our suburb and think the commitee do a wonderful job! I would also like to get involved.
I am also starting my own business baking and decorating cupcakes and would love to have a regular stall at the markets selling the cupcakes to compliment the sausage sizzle!
Cheers

Ioanna, that's a pretty name, is it greek? I think the cupcake idea is wonderful & reckon you will do well at our local markets. I work locally & have moved back to Roleystone after years in the flats & look forward to the market stalls. I would love to taste your cupcakes at the next markets. Please keep us all informed of your next stall.

Great to see a bit of stimulation on the subject. Amy I am back now for a while as the bank manager has cancelled any more month long holidays.

Anyway, where were we?? What is phase 2, perhaps I will contact Wendy tonight.

Regards

JB

I notice that community groups can apply for a grant from the City of Armadale for their club or event etc. Is anyone filing in an application on behalf of the markets. The money could be used for improved signage, advertising and incentives for exhibitors perhaps.

Submissions close March 31st

JB

hi Ioana
have you got a website for your business? its handy knowing someone in the cup cake business. esp for kids parties etc! have you had the chance to attend the markets and have a stall? i went today but couldnt see a cupcake stand. the markets were a good turn out today.
julie

Hi Everyone
For people that don't know me, I'm the art/digital media teacher at the high school and I also run the very popular Artsmartz group for the community at the school on a voluntary basis once a week. (Usually 42 children, 11 parents turn up...). I'm also a professional artist who is trying to find an outlet to let people know I'm here as is my art work.

Totally agree about the markets. We need some life into it. Happy to help and run an art event each month that people can get their teeth into.

I'm extremely committed to Roleystone and its people as is my husband Andrew so happy to be part of a positive, happy team...
Bring the markets back to life!

Hi great to see everyone's comments, I haven't had any calls to date!
The markets are one step away from closing, come end of the year due to a committee of only one - me! I would love to meet with a group of enthusiastic people wishing to re-invent our market.... Please contact me ASAP on 93975029 (& not via Roleystone net please)to arrange a brain storming session.

Thanks Wendy

Sorry to be so late on this....hope you all read it. I would be more than happy to take this on board. As an artist and passionate teacher of the young ones at Roleystone would be very very keen. See my post about the T.A.C.T Fair for starters for CanTeen...please support that!

Hi, I heard that the markets were closing down. As I often work away I have delayed on contacting someone about joining the market committee but will do so this weekend. I have some ideas for getting them going again, but suggest that maybe a hiatus would be needed in order to get it happening.

Hi,
Well - at first it looked like we were going to loose access to the Robin Rd Oval after this year 2011.

But then the Minister of Education acknowledged that the site is used by several community groups, and as a consequence they will engage a caretaker to look after the site (including maintaining the oval) until the land is eventually sold off (in 2013?).

Great news - hey!

So if you want to help with the Markets, there is still time. Get in touch with Wendy (details above) or Catherine Schaefer on 0439499545, cat.max17@hotmail.com

We got one more year to get it up to speed!