Notice Board

Please take note of all the following information

  Market dates for 2012 

AGM 2011

Announcement

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Genera! Meeting will be held at The Lion's Hall, New Street, Somerset West (the same venue as last year) at 1:30 pm for 2.00 pm (14h00) on Saturday 4 th June 2011.

It is of great importance and in your own interest to attend this meeting. Only paid-up members will be allowed to vote. According to the Constitution it is the turn of Gill Oliver (Chairman) and Lesley Wonfor (PRO) to stand down. Both are available for re-election.

Committee members must be from the Hottentots Holland area for obvious reasons and monthly committee meetings are held on a weekday either morning or afternoon. Any nominee proposed must complete an Acceptance Form as well as the Proposer and Seconder. This form must be returned to P.O. Box 2168, Somerset West 7129 before 28 th May 2011.

On the reverse of the Nomination Form (supplied at the Market and available at the Info stall) is a form to list any points you wish to be placed on the Agenda.

Please make every effort to attend as it is every member's duty to attend this one meeting in a year. Refreshments will be served. See you there.

Chairman's Report 2011

tabled at the AGM on Sat 4 th June 14h00

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, ifs learning to dance in the rain."

This is so true, literally and figuratively, where the craft market is concerned. The Approval Day Market was held on the 2 May and we awoke to fairly strong winds and the threat of rain and even had visions of having to postpone it. Well, much to our pleasant surprise, ninety nine percent of the crafters who attended had learnt to dance in the rain. Gazebos were put up, wind blew a couple down, but eventually by eight o clock everyone was ready. We had a good selection of crafts and some very pleasant crafters. By twelve the rains were coming and we had just finished viewing all the stalls so we told everyone to pack up and most of them were unscathed by the rain.

Thank you Scouts and Cubs for supplying much needed food and drink. It was greatly appreciated.

Our day was far from over but as we discussed the different stalls and their merits we were once again pleasantly surprised to find that we were all in agreement as to which stalls would be included in our market and managed to take on just over half of the stall holders present. Our successful day ended with a bang at six thirty with a tremendous thunder storm. Welcome on board to all the new crafters.

Thank you to all those who made it such a success. Salome Combrinck who did our bookings for us at four markets. Louise McNish, Joan Fourie, Gerda Tandler and Lizzem De Villiers who made up the rest of the selection committee and to my loyal committee members, Lesley Wonfor, Denny De Villiers and Ronel Visser.

These were not the only people who made the day so pleasurable. Thanks to Kay Firkins who supplied us with a delicious homemade pizza for supper and to Joan Fourie for the divine quiche. Kay also came down to Southey's Vines to lock up for us after Asanda had cleaned the toilets. What a gem Asanda has been this past year for relieving us of that burden. Thank you Asanda, for being reliable and on time after every market. We really appreciate your work.

William Matroos was also a great help on Approval Day. He guarded the back entrance, put out the dirt bags and then took over the front entrance for late comers. William is always reliable and has a laugh and a smile no matter what the circumstances are. Our thanks also go to his team of workers on market days. Erecting gazebos, putting out chairs, making sure the doggie's water bowl is full and even offering to bring us lunch. William is also responsible for putting up our posters and now has to remove the date stickers as well. William will also be taking over the flags and the date strip. William, you are a star and we really appreciate all the work which you and your team are doing.

Angus McNish is now retiring from his job of putting up the flags and changing the date strip on our board. He has done a stoic job for nine years and has carried on regardless even after the one pole fell on his head and sliced it open. Thank you Angus for your loyalty and enjoy your retirement although I do think that Louise might work you a little harder at her stall now!
Many of our crafters have been ill or are still battling to overcome illness. We wish you the strength to be able to "learn to dance in the rain" and look forward to seeing you all back at the market healthy and strong. Our thoughts are with you all in these trying times.

Our thanks to our Area Managers, Louise McNish, Wendy Coetzee, Bob Heyns, Rosemary Algie, Willie Lourens, Kay Firkins and Jenny Jewell. We could not run such a successful market without their constant help and advice. They are our eyes helping us to keep up the high standard for which our market is known.
Thank you Wonga and Zintle, our collectors. We have had a few ups and downs but on the whole they have done a sterling job and we appreciate it.

Whilst on the subject of money it would be appropriate for me to say a big "thank you" to Chris Stevens, our accountant. It is so good to know that he is keeping a wary eye on our finances. We value your advice Chris and do try our best to keep within our budget. We did have an unfortunate incident last year where, somehow, our posters were supposedly put up a week early and we were penalized by the municipality and had to pay a fine. We managed to get them to cut it by half but five thousand rand still made a big dip in our finances. We did not, however, have to recoup our losses by putting up the table fees in December.
We are no longer part of the Southey's Vine Committee but still have contact with Henry Laubscher ( Chairman ) and Jan Bentley (Groundsman). Thank you for listening to our tales of woe and trying to accommodate us when little things go wrong. We are proud of Southey's Vines and like it to look it's best at all times. We even have one of our crafters doing an "avenue walk" every market and admiring the trees and their changing colours.

Thank you Mervyn, our car guard, for always being there keeping our customer's cars safe and offering to wash the bibs every so often. Just one less job for me to think about and do.

My thanks go to all the crafters who help to make the market the success that it is. Work hard throughout the winter break so that your stalls are full of exciting new items to draw the crowds. Spread the word about the Country Craft Market, hand out our date cards and encourage people to visit our website. Thank you Stan Holroyd for keeping the website updated so well, for new photographs and information and for informing the press about our upcoming markets. Please remember all permanent members must be on the website but casuals are also encouraged to join. It is a one off payment of R150. Stan will then photograph your stall and help you with information.

There are many other people who need a thank you, too numerous to mention. Those who offer prizes for competitions, gifts given by everyone for our Christmas give away but a special mention must be given to my committee, Lesley Wonfor, Ronel Visser and Denny De Villiers. They give up their time to attend meetings, address envelopes, give advice, lend a shoulder to cry on, support me in decision making and are there to share the laughs.

They don't wait for the "storm to pass" but have learnt with me "how to dance in the rain".

Gill Oliver
Chairman

AGM 2011

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

of The Country Craft Market, Somerset West

Held On 4 June 2011

at The Lion's Hall In New Street, Somerset West

at 14H00.

PRESENT: As per book of signatures.

1. WELCOME: The chairman, Gill Oliver, thanked everyone present for coming, especially those who had travelled from further afield. She went on to comment that she usually has an appropriate "funny" to read out but unfortunately this time it favoured females so she apologised to all the male members present. Everyone had a good laugh and so the meeting started on a light-hearted note.

2. APOLOGIES: Marlene Bailey, Sam Grashoff, Patsy Ince, Lizzem De Villiers, Fred Mostert, Annie Theron, Inge Schubert, Ronel Visser, Alma Schwabe, Christiana Stevens, Janie Siebert, Miemie & Leon Gorgens, Ann & Nick Knight, Alida & Hein Kruse and Wanda & Rodney Salt.

3. CLOSING OF AGENDA: Nil.

4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: Gill enquired as to whether the meeting wished for the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting to be read out as they had been e-mailed or posted to all members and casuals. John Simon proposed that these be taken as read and it was seconded by Gina Pearson.

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES: None.

6. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Gill enquired if everyone present had read her report as this had, either been handed out, e-mailed or posted to all members and casuals (including the new casuals taken on in May). It was proposed by Jenny Jewell that this be taken as read and was seconded by Kay Firkins.

7. FINANCIAL REPORT: As Ronel was away Gill read out the report which our accountant, Chris Stevens, had compiled. Despite significant increases in ground fees and other expenses (including an unfortunate fine from the Municipality, who claimed that our posters were erected a week early) our financial position only suffered a relatively small deficit of R4595 for the year and we still maintain reasonable reserves in the bank to protect us as best as we can from uncertainties in the future. It is necessary, however, to increase table fees, especially as we are aware that ground fees will be increased in January. The increase is R10.00 for permanents and casuals alike making it R90.00 and R100.00 respectively as from September 2011. Annual subscriptions for permanents will remain at R75.00. Gill stated that despite the increase our fees still remain one of the lowest in the country.

8. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING: Lesley stated that advertising was crucial for our market and, although she tried "freebies" they seem to dropping off and the few she still does manage, often change the information given. We advertise in the Argus and District Mail for every market and twice a year in the Burger and the Bolander. Our website is however, our best form of advertising as well as our bookmarks. Please hand these out to as many customers as you can. Our market information is also sent to Helderberg Radio, Cape Talk, CCFM and Fine Music Radio.

9. CREDIT CARD FACILITIES-BEULAH KORPEL: It was felt that credit card facilities were lacking at our market. Gill replied that it was tried for a year and the few times it was used, was not worth the extra work put on the shoulders of the committee - we would have to pay someone to do this. We only have eighteen markets in the year and the banks prefer the machines to be used more frequently. It is also illegal to add on commission to cover our expenses. Ronel has suggested, in the past, that crafters who are interested can use cell phone facilities. For more information regarding this, please contact Ronel.

10. RAINY DAYS-BEULAH KORPEL: Gill commented that this subject has come up at every A.G.M. We give out committee members cell numbers strictly for use on market days but this is being abused by crafters using these numbers at anytime of day or night. It was suggested that a cheap cell phone be used on market days but this is not viable. It IS necessary for ALL crafters to attend the market even if it is raining in their neck of the woods. Crafters must take the good with the bad.

11. UNEVEN GROUND-BEULAH KORPEL: Southey's Vines committee is aware of the problem but this is caused by the guinea fowl (our logo!). It was suggested that the grass be watered more often as the guinea fowl don't dig in thick grass. Henry Laubscher (Chairman of S. Vines committee) replied saying that they will have to think of replacing the grass but this will have to be taken up with the City of Cape Town.

Henry was also asked if it would be in order to have certain branches sawn off trees which were causing damage to gazebos. Henry confirmed that this would be in order.

12. CARS-JENNY JEWELL: Jenny complained that cars were only supposed to come into the market area at 13h15 if they were parked elsewhere. This is not being adhered to. It appears to be the same crafters each time. Sometimes the odd customer is also seen to be driving around the market area. Jenny suggested a chain across the entrance or closing half the gate and then put a notice on the gate "NO ENTRY FOR CARS"

13. PERMANENT MEMBERS CANCELLING MARKETS-PIETER VAN SANTEN: Gill explained that permanent members have to pay their table fees even though they may have cancelled timeously. The only exception is "unforeseen circumstances" which will be taken into consideration e.g. car broken down on way to market and/or accident and this should be reported as soon as possible, illness requiring hospitalisation etc.

14. CELL PHONES-GILL OLIVER: This was discussed under "Rainy Days".

15. RAISING TABLE FEES-GILL OLIVER: This was discussed under "Financial Report" and fees will be increased accordingly.

16. PROPOSED DATES FOR 2012: Pam Stallebrass remarked that there were too many markets in December. John Simon suggested that one December market be changed to 3rd November 2012. After a vote the 17th December market was changed to Saturday 3rd November 2012.

2012
January Saturday 28
February Saturday 11
February Saturday 25
March Wednesday 21
March Saturday 31
April Saturday 7 - Easter
April Saturday 28
May Tuesday 1 - Approval Day
May Saturday 26
Closed for winter

re-opens
September Saturday 29
October Saturday 13
October Saturday 27
November Saturday 3
November Saturday 10
November Saturday 24
December Saturday 1
December Saturday 8
December Saturday 15
December Saturday 22

PLEASE NOTE: Saturday 3 December 2011 is confirmed. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

17. ELECTION OF NEW COMMITTEE: As no other nominations were forthcoming, and Gill and Lesley were willing to stand for the next two years, they were automatically re-elected.

18. CONCLUSION: Gill invited everyone for tea and eats and thanked them once again for their attendance. She also thanked her committee for their loyal support and hard work and she presented them each with a gift. There was also a special gift for our accountant, Chris Stevens. Lesley, Ronel and Denny reciprocated with a gift for Gill.

19. The meeting closed at 15h15.

And always the Main Attraction - well, we hope not but if it works ...

EMERGENCY PLAN - EVACUATON PLAN

The market area of The Country Craft Market is divided into 7 (seven) Areas.

The following Area Managers are in charge of specific Areas:

LOUISE McNISH Stall No. 184 Stalls 1 - 29 EXIT 1 Cell No. 082 378 6588 (assisted by Angus McNish)

RONEL VISSER Stall No. 30 Stalls 30 - 58 EXIT 2 Cell No. 083 728 5171(assisted by Rick Coetzee)

BOB HEYNS Stall No. 62 Stalls 59 - 79 AND 145 - 151 EXIT 4 Cell No. 079 747 8149 (assisted by Pieter de Wet)

BEV ONYETT Stall No. 94 Stalls 80 - 98 AND 164 - 154 EXIT 3 Cell No. 083 712 8416 (assisted by Nici Harris)

LINDA ESTERHUIZEN Stall No. 101 Stalls 99 - 128 EXIT 3 Cell No. 083 380 2906 (assisted by Anton Roux)

KAY FIRKINS Stall No. 153 Stalls 129 - 144 AND 152 & 153 AND 165 - 172 EXIT 4 Cell No. 083 655 9406 (assisted by Gail Green)

JENNY JEWELL Stall No. 200 Stalls 173 - 204 EXIT 1 Cell No. 083 530 4539 (assisted by George Jewell)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Gill Oliver Cell No. 021-8526608

Lesley Wonfor Cell No. 083-5909197

Denny de Villiers Cell No. 072-2234937

Ronel Visser Cell No. 083-7285171

All Committee Member to have cell numbers of Area Managers on their phones.

2 Fire Extinguishers available at following points

Yellow Pole next to Info

Stall 104

Stall 135

All Food Stalls have their own Fire Extinguishers.

EVACUATION POINTS:

Exit 1 and 4 to Rose Garden if safe to do so

Exit 3 to Back Parking area if safe to do so

Exit 2 to Manuka Parking if safe to do so

All Public in specific areas to be herded to points.

Committee Members to remain behind until everyone is evacuated if safe to do so.

Important for all crafters

To all permanent members

who should all be on the website (otherwise contact the webmaster)

Remember each crafter has a unique page URL that leads directly to your page

You can see it in the address window of you browser but it looks like this

www.countrycraftmarket.org/stallxxx.html

where xxx is your stall number with leading zeros

stall 98 will be stall098

stall 125 will be stall125

If you have your own website, please consider adding links onto your website to

www.countrycraftmarket.org

and your own page URL

Also use these URLs in your advertising and on your business cards

To casual members who have chosen to be on the website

(if you are not included, contact the Committee for more information)

The unique page URL that leads directly to your page is:

www.countrycraftmarket.org/ccxxx.html

where xxx is a sequence number that you can see in the address window of you browser

otherwise request this number from the webmaster

A Joint Responsibility

Getting people to visit a website and the Market itself, is a most important task.

This benefits all of us and leads to more feet walking through the market.

So if we each crafter attract new viewers and visitors, we all benefit from each others efforts.

The modern worlds feed on information and websites are a particularly useful tool in this regard. When each crafter does her or his part to encourage traffic to our website and the Market, we become a powerful attraction to the benefit of all our crafters and also our visitors.