“Hello Liam,” began Ashlea’s email. “I’m getting in touch to see whether you’d consider an article on Simon, Market coordinator at Manly Village Public School. Simon has run Manly Village’s iconic market for 25 years, bringing in approximately $1 million in revenue for the school P&C.
“He is a cheeky man, and a community champion. The life he has breathed into Manly over the last quarter of a century is incredible. I fear when he retires from his role at the end of the year, his dedication to this community may be forgotten, or at least not properly recognised.”
Ashlea, you had me at hello. I know Simon well, a perennial nemesis at Hotel Steyne’s Razzle Dazzle trivia, always bringing home the bacon for his “Halfwits” pack of brainiacs. Infuriating! Never once has Simon mentioned his community dedication, or this incredible fundraising effort. An article is the least we can do.
“It all started in 2000, at the school’s fancy dress party,” says Simon. “My son was in Year 4, I had another boy in Year 7 at Bally Boys, and the school approached me to see if I was interested. I was a single dad, the boys were a bit older, I had time on my hands. I thought yeah, bugger it, I’ll give it a go.”
Simon was decked out as The Invisible Man that fancy dress evening, a miracle anyone could spot him. But if you’ve checked out the Manly Village Markets anytime this millennium, the bloke adorned in shorts and t-shirt all year long is very hard to miss.
“I went along with the former market coordinator once before I took over. Then from the next market, it was my show, sink or swim. But the school was much smaller back in 2000, 220 kids, and the market was much smaller too.”
It was a time before social media, emails fairly limited as well, meaning a booking system fit for the times. “People used to put their $25 in an envelope and leave it in my letterbox.” The rates have increased now to $50 for a stall. Inflation rampant. And the school has grown to almost 600 kids. The markets have evolved too.
“We’ve always got well over 100 stalls and, not that I’m an expert on the subject matter, but the Manly Markets have become a real women’s fashion hotspot. Around 80% of the stall holders provide women’s fashion items. A woman told me she made $7,000 one day. I almost fell over! That’s big money.”
What does it take to curate a thriving local market? “If you want to do it properly, and I have always been committed to doing it properly, it’s a relentless endeavour to get all the moving parts in place, to ensure all stall holders, marketgoers, and the school P&C are happy.
“But when it all comes together, it’s like alchemy. Everyone’s happy, everyone’s making money, everyone’s rebooking for the next one. It’s fundamentally out of your control, there are so many factors, but when the markets are buzzing, it’s magic.”
The big question, where to now, Simon? “I took it on when I was 42. My son in year 4. He’s now 35! I’m 67. I’m gonna relax a bit, play more golf, drink more beer. But honestly, I’ve had so much fun, met so many great people, thousands. And you know, the good people far outweigh the f@*kw!t$, I’ve had a great run.”
Saturday 20 December will be Simon’s final Manly Market at the helm. Get along and send the quarter century stalwart off in style. Volunteers are always hugely appreciated too. If you’re keen, and able to donate an hour a month to help out, please call 0435 610 675 or email manlyvillageschoolmarkets@gmail.com