Bryanston Organic and Natural Market
Thursdays and Saturdays from 09h00 to 15h00 see the Bryanston Organic and Natural Market at the Michael Mount Waldorf School in full swing. Shoppers can pick up fresh organic veggies, cheeses, milk and cream, nuts and dried fruit, wheat-free breads and pastries. The shoppers are regulars and chat to each other in a relaxed manner, catching up and adding to the rustic charm of the place.
The philosophy here is clearly different. Thirty-four years ago the parents of scholars at this school arranged a fair to raise money and afterwards sold off the leftover vegetables to increase profit. The sale of organic produce by farmers – out of their car boots initially – became a regular feature and the beginning of one of the most progressive markets in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. It was well ahead of the times.
“Right thinking and right action,” is the motto adopted by the Michael Mount Waldorf School and its projects. The market earns extra income for the school and contributes to charities such as CHOC, which helps children with cancer. But it also plays an important role in encouraging the school and broader community to act to preserve the earth by supporting organic farming, biodiversity and sustainable development.
Aside from farmers’ fresh produce, crafters’ and artists’ wares on offer are all of the highest quality. A couple sell hand-made rocking horses upon which youngsters can ride. These are of extraordinary beauty. The wrought iron, gems and jewellery, pottery, wooden toys and carved objects are unique, and shopping for a special gift means you might come away with a handmade kaleidoscope or wind chimes, a shrub from the little nursery as you enter, soaps and creams made from natural ingredients, handmade candles, or original clothing and glorious sandals. There is nothing mass produced about the marvellous goods on sale here.
The outdoor setting with its thatch stalls makes the market a great spot to hang out. You can have a slice of cake or a muffin, or a light meal in the Photosynthesis Tea Garden while musicians entertain you, or you can stop off at Bettina’s Coffee Shop. The Pizza Place is always busy. The market is usually held at night for six weeks in summer (from November leading up to Christmas) and this only increases the ambience as strings of lights and candles glimmer.
If you have never been to this market, you are in for a treat. Regulars will attest to the fact that shopping here makes the inside of supermarkets look dreadfully mundane. Set aside a few hours to do your grocery and gift shopping and ensure you have enough time for a meal or tea. You will be delighted by what you come away with and will feel good about contributing to a greener earth too!