By Cagerattler

It was a privilege to be a tiny part of another fantastic Woodcraft Guild Open Day last weekend. I’d like to thank Reon, Wendy and all the crew for the chance to show a few railway models, but the overall list of things to see and do was just terrific.

The best part for me was that much of what was showcased and/or sold  was locally sourced, proving  that this area has a lot to offer and a lot to do.  Through the auspices of fantastic community groups such as the Woodcraft Guild and its annual Open Day more locals and visitors alike can see a diverse range of great things to see and do, and buy amazing produce from vegetables and  fruits to all sorts of great food and wares.

The best thing was the excitement of the kids, getting face painting, checking out the stalls all over the place, the snake pit, the fantastic live music from Ted and Paul…(REALLY GOOD) and  seeing mums, dads and kids   having fun together.  There was lots of interest in the Woodcraft Guild items for sale and I believe several   beautifully made items found new homes.

I’m glad the weather ‘played nice’ in the finish after a chilly, foggy start but I was thrilled to make a small    contribution this time to a very enjoyable day and hope to do so again next year.

The Open Day of course is a showcase annual event but over a big part of the year let’s not forget  our  Saturday morning markets. They avail us of the same type of great produce.

On top of that of course are the craft outlets;  Gone Rustic, Madd=Mudd, River & Willow Art Space, Second Hand Rose, Mt Elephant Fudge, Pings Place and Cranks and Tinkerers. These shops and studios add to the regular day to day retail businesses like our IGA, Newsagency, Pub, Garage, Pharmacy, Purple Possum Whole foods, Coach House  and Post Office…and any other shops I may well have left out (not deliberately I promise).

When you look at this town of ours with its Hospital, School, Sports Centre, Tennis Club, tradesmen,  Ambulance/Fire and SES services, the daily retail and  specialty  and craft stores, the Saturday Marketeers and those who display at the Annual Open Day through the Guild,  and a pretty handy little fortnightly paper called the Valley Voice of course, we’re pretty darn lucky to be here. As my great American email pal Louis often reminds me from Baltimore “you live in Paradise”.

Perhaps we do…

What do you think? Rod McGiveron