A bit of festive cheer goes a long way at the end of a stressful Covid 19 year. At the Montville markets recently, I set up my stall to sell my children’s picture book, A Very Mapleton Christmas. It’s a story set in the Lilyponds with Aussie animals sharing gifts with a treasure hunt. Talking about treasures, browsers wandered through the many lovely displays of flowers, soft toys, wooden spoons, embroidery, and hand painted cards to tables of fruit and veg, the hand made and created. Treasures worth seeking.

Opposite me was an Italian couple who loved to paint and sell mixed media gift cards. ( Elisa Olivi)

Close by, the wired chook lady whose hanging wares sell out in the first 2 hours. The assortment of cockatoos, wrens, kookaburras, chooks and even horses are popular with the locals. There are jams and cheeseboards, plants and seedlings, botanical earrings, wreaths and hand made soaps, candles and herbs.

Inside the Montville hall are more plants, honeyed products, skin care, silver spoon / teapot chimes and the delicious pancakes, both savoury and sweet. Treasures are everywhere both small and big, if you hunt for the,. From pesto to a ticket in an electric car, the market makes it easy for people to spend as they please.

I enjoyed my friendly conversation at the Macbeth Woodworks, with Pete’s cheeseboards and partner’s healthy, inexpensive plants.

Music is always captivating with a strumming guitarist and the eye catching  Coffee Pot caravan. I line up for my coffee and was served by Tan and Mike who work the business in a Sunnier caravan that was made in 1962. From little projects to fully sanding, gutting and fitting out the caravan, this conscientious family plus both son and daughter at the helm, offer all types of mouth watering slices and cakes to excellent brewed coffee for their customers. “People seem to like the signature blend of Balmoral coffee as well as the Posh.”

The Coffee Pot van is a great family adventure that took 2 years in total. As Tan says, “we are a blended family of 6 and most markets have 2 to 3 of the children working with us.” To meet new people, catch up with regular customers and see the smiles on faces is our reward. A fantastic fun thing to do with a growing family. Get your turmeric latte or Expresso. Sip. taste and enjoy.

My extra hot cappuccino is perfect with the slight chilly wind in the air. I have a French family, Sydney visitors and people from the Gold Coast talking to me about my children’s books. www.mjgibbs.com.au

The smells of fresh sour dough and breads with the morning buzz allow people to stop and chat, mingle and mix. Why not take a look at this market on the second Saturday of every month. Come early, come anytime but not after 12.30 when trucks, cars and vans are packing up, ready to drive home and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

Gift giving is especially nice when one does it with love and from the heart.

This Christmas, find the time to share with those you love. Befriend a newbie at a local community market. Buy someone a coffee and see their smile!