Coledale crew join Garage Sale Trail for last hurrah

The popular Garage Sale Trail will hold its final event in November, with more than 7000 sales across Australia over two weekends. Coledale RSL will be part of the trail’s ‘last hurrah’, holding a Vintage & Vino market at the club on Saturday, 14 November.

The Trail has run for 16 years, with millions of pre-loved items finding new homes via community sales. The event highlights the importance of buying second-hand at a time when Australians send more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill every year.

Coledale RSL President Mel Ellery said the vintage market promised to be a fun and relaxed community day, with an array of stalls on the lawn and deck, and cold drinks on tap.

“The market will also support crisis aid in Ukraine. In collaboration with Coledale RSL sub branch, we have a Ukrainian fundraiser event on 20 November to raise much-needed money for first aid support kits. 

“Our market will have timber wares for sale from Thirroul Men’s Shed, surfboards, handmade and vintage jewellery, vintage frocks and linen, bric-a-brac and lots of surprises.

“For shoppers, it’s all about finding a bargain, looking for something unique and shopping sustainably. Just as important is having a chat and laugh with our volunteers. Many of our wares have been in our wardrobes and sheds for a long time, and hold many memories.”

Three of our vintage finds

• Silk kimono (Sharon): “My kimono was bought years ago in Kyoto from an elderly lady who had a small shop by the river. I ventured in and found the kimono and bought it for what she asked – no bartering. She seemed extremely pleased to have a sale. With no common language, there was just a lot of smiling and head gestures.”
• 19th century Royal Bavarian household linen (Heidi): “Fine monogrammed palace linens, possibly used as bath towels. These fabrics were precious and looked after meticulously. Some feature exquisite repair work. Bought in Munich.” 
• 1940s cocktail dress (Heather): “Bought in Bondi. Surprisingly hardy given its taffeta, mesh and ribbon construction. Saw plenty of party action in the 1980s and definitely went down a giant slide a few times. No harm done! This dress needs to get out more.”

Vintage & Vino will be at Coledale RSL 11am-3pm on Saturday, 14 November. See garagesaletrail.com.au for a map of sales, including others in the Northern Illawarra.