The Drysdale School Market – an activity in the 150 years of Drysdale Primary School
This is being recalled from around 43 or more years ago.
Whilst as a member of Drysdale Primary School Council, (as a parent), along with David Brown, (teacher), the School Market was born. David and I were good friends and a casual conversation on the growing trend of art & craft markets popping up in other country towns, led to us presenting the idea to the School Council. At that time, the school was seeking funds to build a utility hall and a government grant based on shared financial contribution meant monies from the market would be very beneficial to achieving the overall funds required to build the hall.
One story that comes to mind, is the brilliant on the spot thinking displayed by Russell Butcher who upon arriving at the newspaper office to place an advert was asked about “artwork” and whilst he did not have artwork when he arrived, with the use of a blank piece of paper and a pen he drew the outline of his hand and filled in each finger listing the primary products that would be available and that became the artwork to attract reader attention.
The location was decided to be the grounds around the Drysdale Station (now the Bellarine Railway), as the position on the main road would provide excellent visual identification for all passing traffic plus the potential to build a relationship with the historic railway. There would be an emphasis on family activities and that resulted in free face painting for the kids, a Punch & Judy show, a Speakers Box for anyone game enough to climb on and deliver a thought provoking or humorous presentation and buskers to deliver music to entertain those attending the market.
My Dad, (Geoff Wisbey) who was observing traffic filling Station Street to overflowing, sprang into action with his wire cutters opening the wire fences to give access to parking on his land, around, and adjacent to his house as back then there were no houses on that land. This gave only short-term relief, and the traffic continued to flood into the market. Shortly after, the parking predicament escalated into a full-on traffic jam, the police arrived to exercise control. With time the traffic slowed, and the market was a huge success.
During the traffic mayhem, a chap (a neighbour from nearby), came demanding action and looking straight at me, bellowed “point me in the direction of that idiot Darrell Wisbey”. I had visited all neighbours pre the market, to explain the plan and seeking their support, so, he was holding me responsible for causing the mess that had blocked his driveway. I casually and silently pointed in the opposite direction and off he went – you see I was in my clown make-up doing the kids free face-painting, and he clearly did not recognise me and that possibly saved me from getting a punch in the nose.
Darrell Wisbey
