Co-op Stop

NEW BRANCH - Co-op Stop Nepean/Blue Mtns

2012-02-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome Amanda! The manager of the - now official - Co-op Stop Nepean-Blue Mtns.
Amanda has been doing water barrels, berries, bakery suppliers, health food and Patritti for some time now (she's a woman after my own heart) over in Blaxland. Who has decided to link in and use our template of operations.

Thank you Amanda for joining us. To contact Amanda and join the Nepean-Blue Co-op Stop please email her at coop.nepeanbluemountains@gmail.com

Lower than wholesale price ...that's us!

2012-02-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

Even our health food wholesaler can't beat us on honey prices!!

I was just checking out the latest price list for Honest to Goodness and in comparison, our raw bush honey from the last order is $1.18-$1.95 a kilo CHEAPER! Love a bargin.. especially when it beats wholesale price!!

I've even had people buy a second tub after trying it :o)

So yes, this is my plug for the last three tubs at only $7 per kilo in 15kilo tubs (feel free to split and share! Get free tubs from a Woolies baker or something) $105.00 per tub.

Please let me know asap by emailing co-opstop@hotmail.com

Thanks!!

A New Year's Resolution...

2011-12-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

Over Christmas I was really really glad I'd prepared in advance. I did however forget completely about food for boxing day! We didn't host, so no left overs and no shops open! I felt so stupid, and was relieved the following day when we dashed to the shops to stock up!

I remembered, when I opened a bag of rice this week that I'd sealed in a foil pouch in 2004, how important it is to do small consistant things towards our self reliance in the near, medium and distant future.
A bag of rice or tub of honey is great, BUT eating it straight away isn't leading towards stockpiling a reserve. It is great for the food budget, which is the other very important reason for the existence of Co-opStop.

I'd like to invite you all to think more seriously about food, cooking resources, water storage and health.

Joy reminded me of the storm that passed through Sydney some 10(ish) years ago for 30mins and left Waitara, Turramurra and other northern suburbs etc with NO electricity or clean water for a week - the shops refused to sell anything!. What the heck would you do?! Don't freak out, just do small things, consistently, that lead toward your family's self sufficiency. Either in time of fire, storm, earthquake, unemployment, needy neighbours, burst pipes or boxing day empty cupboards.

From an extra packet to keep in your cupboard, a 2 liter tub of water in the garage, or an extra month sealed in foil pouches to last years, IT'S ALL WORTHWHILE.

(p.s. there are 3 tubs of honey left, available now)

Take care, and wishing you all a happy, safe and healthy new year!

Suzi

Honey's here! Be quick!

2011-11-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

It's half sold already!

I finally tasted it this morning and I LOVE IT!

It really is a tasty tasty honey. Nice and earthy but still light and sweet. It's slightly floral at the end.

I did the "Eat it 'till I'm sick" test and I could eat twice as much of this new honey on a spoon ( Ironbark-Red Gum) than I could the last batch of honey. I think because of the rich flavour it's going to be much better for flavouring cakes, breads, drinks and cookies etc.

I really really liked the last lot we had that was mild and floral but this is my favourite so far. It's a slightly darker amber colour (but not dark) than the last batch of honey and is stronger in flavour.

Email me for my address and payment details

(the pic on the right is not this batch, this new batch is lighter in colour but still very runny and fresh)

RAW HONEY order open - arriving in 1 week!

2011-11-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Raw Ironbark/Hill Gum Honey - Open for orders and payment now!

PRICE:
HONEY is $7 per kilo and comes in 15 kilo buckets with lids = $105.00 per tub (minimum order is 1 tub)
Honey comb is $8 for a 400-450g size in a take away container.

QTY
40 x 15kilo tubs
27 containers of Comb Honey

HONEY INFO: (These Gums flower at the same time, the honey for this order is collected from both flowers)

Iron Bark -Iron Bark Eucalyptus trees flower throughout the year and these species are widely spread through eastern Australia. A premium honey with characteristic delicate aroma, good density and light colour with a gentle sweetness. It is an excellent flavour enhancer in the baking of cakes and biscuits as well as a sweetener in beverages. A honey connoisseur's favourite.

Hill Gum - Eucalyptus Blakelyi (Blakely's Red Gum)

Hill Gum is a sub species within the Red Gum family. Smaller than their majestic river cousins, they grow on flats and hillsides in higher rainfall areas. Hill Gum honey has become quite rare.Hill Gum honey has an interesting flavour, amazingly refreshing with a mild mint tea character that leaves the palate slightly tingling. Slightly sweeter than it's other relative Red Gums.

Any questions/ info for payment and delivery details please contact your Co-op Managers or email me at co-opstop@hotmail.com

AMPHORE Bi-regional order

2011-09-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

You'll be pleased to know that the next Amphore order is open. All orders for the Central Coast (Pulse) and the North Co-op Stop please email me at co-opstop@hotmail.com

We've had wonderful feedback from those of you who use the products.This time we are going to order in 250ml bottles for Jojoba and Skin Logique - aloe lotion. 50ml for the Rosehip oil.

They come in packs of 20 so to enable us to get the wholesale prices we need an even order of each. Lesser number will mean the higher retail prices noted on the site.

Close date 21st October BUT please get your orders and payment in before the school holidays so you don't forget about it in the holiday mayhem!

Here's the link to the old blog post giving a run down of each one. Prices are on the email going out today.

Take care!

Suzi

Supporting your community

2011-07-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

As Co-opStop is a community service, I thought it might be nice to support a local not-for-profit pre-school.

I was wondering who the heck would like a basket of health foods... seems we're not the only ones out there that love healthy food! They loved it. x

Updates

2011-07-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's great to see the smaller co-op member-run order are popping up everywhere.

The TEMPLATE for the H2G orders is available now.

Thanks so much to Helen who's been doing so much work for us in the last few months... how long has it been?! Maybe a year.

Amphore feedback has been amazing with another order coming up soon. We all have super soft, less spotty and less wrinkly skin now!
OH! I'll have to put picks on of my surgery scars. One was treated with rosehip and the other not. Such a difference.

x

Changes to Co-op Stop North

2011-07-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Doing combined orders and having one person administer it is too much work. The H2G orders are after all voluntarily run and so we feel it's about time you all have a turn - us being a Co-operative and all!

Please excuse all of my bold type.. it's for those (like me) that like to skim through boring bits :o)

NOTE: There are no charges or fees to be charged on the H2G orders as we are all taking turns to use time and resources.

Here's 8 Steps as to how it works:

1. You are running low on goods and wants to order some things. You needs $300 minimum for wholesale prices (pick up rate).

2. You can't round up enough of your friends so you call/email Suzi (me) to advertise to the rest of the co-op.(The distribution list will not be given out to anyone.. sorry)

3. The co-op members email you with what they'd like and when you have enough people/orders to reach $300 you can knock back any further requests. To keep it EASY and SMALL.

4. You then collect the right money and enter the items on the order TEMPLATE to email in to H2G, giving them at least 48hrs to pick and pack before picking up. Get the money BEFORE you order. Suzi and Helen are copied in on the order email so we know that you're ordering in case they call us for confirmation of who you are or can't contact you.

5. Please go by the template that will be issued which uses the correct format noting our correct name "Co-op Stop North": item no; description; size; price quoted; qty etc etc. Any questions and you can ask Helen Kozyreva or myself.

Here's the WRONG way to order (incorrect descriptions, amounts not tallied and prices not noted) :
"Hi Satoko, please could we have the following items:
5kg sesame seeds
5kg cashews
organic Demeter flour 12.5kg
organic Demeter flour 12.5kg
organic Demeter flour 12.5kg
sesame seeds 5kg
popcorn 5kg

I'm from the co-op"

(H2G have a bunch of Co-ops and this would just be annoying when coming from a load of different people from our co-op.)

6. H2G will then chat to you about any out of stocks and issue you with a Tax Invoice to pay that morning. Credit card, debit or cash is fine.

7. Pick up is from Atarmon in the mornings and I encourage you to take close attention to marking off the goods as they pack them in your car. So they haven't substituted anything out of stock or charged a new/higher price (they fluctuate) instead of the quoted price on your tax invoice from the office.

8. Print this off and use as a check list.

The final tip is to just call Helen or myself if you get stuck, we're happy to help. They will need to confirm that you're from Co-op Stop North (as it's Helen's name not yours on the system) or if you want tips on certain products. e.g. sunflower seeds should have been frozen otherwise they'll be full of bugs, and popcorn needs packing in foil pouches or another anaerobic environment as it always has weevils.
etc etc etc!!

Co-op Stop North Orders

2011-03-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

The general health foods order for Co-op Stop North is now open.

Close date 24th March and pick up the following week

Price list and contact details for Helen have been sent to the distribution list.

New Products/ Supplier AMPHORE

2011-02-11T01:59:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON....

Amphore

Testers out now, email for your set and info. Feedback so far has been WONDERFUL.

New Honey Supplier!

2011-02-08T00:55:00.000-08:00

After WEEKS and WEEKS of searching, researching, talking to the industry's most noted (or quoted) Apiarists (bee keepers and the like), I FOUND SOME that is pure, raw and NOT heat treated. I managed to negotiate a price to keep it at almost the same price as 2 years ago!

As with all new suppliers there may be a little hiccup somewhere or wrinkles to iron out. So if you have any feedback I'd love to have it so we can refine the orders/preferences for next time.

So, we have a very light, runny honey that has a distinct perfumed taste. Grey Ironbark honey. It will take quite a few months for it to candy and when it does it will still be soft enough for you to push your finger through and runnier in the middle. It will also darken with age which is perfectly fine.

These are the types of tubs that the honey is in this time. (though not this new, ours are recycled and NO TAPS INCLUDED) There is a plug down the bottom to stick a tap in if you like.

$6.50 per kilo in:

30 kilos = $195.00

25 kilos = $162.50

15 kilos = $97.50

Payment in cash or to the usual Co-op acct. Email me at co-opstop@hotmail.com for the details.

Please be mindful that this has been extremely difficult to obtain. Due to bush fires, floods and drought there isn't much left for non-commercial purchase. There aren't any jars this time as our previous guy did this off his own back and is just an added cost, time and effort that I can't afford. If you're interested in another order of this honey (or whatever is available in coming seasons), I'm sure I can try and negotiate something.

WELCOME!

2010-12-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new managers of the Newcastle/Hunter Co-op Stop, Emma and Peter Watts.

It's a tough and sometimes tiring job but it's so much appreciated.

Dear local co-op members, please remember the trade for service scheme. Not mandatory but just nice. Ideas for this (to show your thanks for their work) would be to pick up someone else's order to clear it out of the pick up area quicker. Bring a bunch of parsley (or something) from your garden. Give them a tester of something you bought if they haven't tried it before.
All these things help make the Co-op Stop community a nice place, with volunteers that feel appreciated.

Wishing you well Emma and Pete.

Honey Supply

2010-12-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

I have had SO MANY requests for more honey, but I'm afraid to say that the lovely man who supplied us has now quit. Honey production is too unreliable for him.

So now, I'm madly looking for the same quality honey to supply us. Prices have increased across the board and I'm scouring the state to find some.

Wish me luck and thanks for your patience.

Suzi

Honey

2010-06-05T04:19:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately there is no honey this year. So to those who managed to buy a tub or have some jars in your garage for long term keeping - you'll be fine, to everyone else.. keep your eyes peeled and don't be fooled by poor quality honey sold at a premium.

Here's some info:

The honey we purchase in bulk for the Co-op is cold extracted, raw and organic. Meaning; the honey is not heated up to make it super runny for fast production (where important friendly bacteria, nutrients and trace minerals will be lost), it is not heated at any stage of the extraction process. You know it's raw when it candies quickly. The hives are placed in the bush well away from any sniff of civilization, farms (that spray pesti/herbi/fungicide) or roads. No pesticide strips are used inside the hive and only natural (non chemical) fuels are used (wood/bark etc) for the smoking cans to calm the bees while the combs are removed, thus keeping organic standards.

The processing of Capilano honey is a real eye opener. Our suppliers also provide honey to Capilano. They heat it first of all and keep it at a constant temperature for sometime to ensure the honey won't candy. This removes all the beneficial nutrients, antibacterial qualities and trace elements (everything!) from the honey. Then they mix it with a glucose syrup and colouring - so they can stretch it further, sell it as "blended" honey and get a premium for it.

I had a 5kilo tub of the stuff from years and years ago. It had finally candied and what I saw was the original honey had tried to candy and sat down at the bottom. The glucose syrup and colouring had risen to the top (split like a curdled cake batter).

Raw honey is so beneficial. Minor burns, soar throats, bee stings, the list goes on (ofcourse consult your Dr not me!).
Candied honey is easy to make runny without killing the good stuff in it when you zap it in the microwave or boil it up (argh!! perish the thought). Just put the jar in the sun and turn every hour (or whenever you see it and think of it). It's a gentle warm up and you will still have all that goodness.

So hopefully we'll have better luck next year.

Dedicated to Erin x

Welcome Helen!

2010-05-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

I'm rather late with this welcome to Helen since she's already done her first health foods order for Co-op Stop North. She's awsome!

Thanks for your kindness in offering your voluntary service. I hope we get to keep you for some time ( she' so organized!)

Suzi

New Focus on Affordability

2010-03-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

Our suppliers are the best! However, some simply can't afford higher quality and need something cheap and cheerful.

We are looking into bulk orders for staple items so that we can achieve the most desirable price for conventional (non-organic) items.

More info to follow.. just wanted to let you know that we're on the case and do feel it incredibly important that EVERYONE at every level can benefit.

Suzi.

Organic Goat Milk Soap - Now!

2010-01-28T02:18:00.000-08:00

Our quarterly order is ON NOW! We will be receiving 90 PLAIN soap bricks (approx 200 grams per bar). They will be straight cut with a stamp in the soap that says "goat milk".

Each bar is $4.70 which is 30% CHEAPER than getting the smaller regular sized bars they used to make us.

There's still a 10 bar minimum, orders and payment to the below account by the 15th February.

S Perryman

ANZ
Bsb 012306
Acct 522346463

So order asap so I don't worry about being short of dosh on the close date ;o)

New Admin/Manager Needed

2010-01-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
Family priorities are calling so my usual helpers are out of the picture for a while. Also we've found that it works a whole lot better when the person who does the order receives the delivery and deals with pick ups etc.

So if your social conscience is pricking you (Co-op = co-operative!) then I'd love to hear from you. You're only required to do a health foods order once a quarter. More often is up to you and arrange it around your own personal family/work needs.

No more orders for the North Co-op until we find some help.

Thanks to Maryanne and Carli for doing the last couple of orders and to Mari for receiving the deliveries.

North Health foods order open

2009-11-11T04:16:00.000-08:00

Maryanne will be putting together our order for this month. Please contact co-opstop@hotmail.com if you'd like to join.

Cut off date is 27th November.

Welcome Leah Moir

2009-08-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our newest Manager Leah Moir.
She has taken on the South Sydney Co-op and will take care of the Campbelltown area for the time being.
It takes a little time to get each co-op moving but I'm sure Leah will do an excellent job. She's very community minded and is really up with the Co-op Stop mentality.

WELCOME!

Orange Picking in Penrith

2009-07-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Penrith Valley Oranges are now open for 'Pick your own' at $2 a kilo. See Esme's entry on the West Co-op blog site.

They're going this Saturday so feel free to come along.

North Health foods order open

2009-07-27T17:39:00.001-07:00

Carli Jeffrey is doing the current health foods order so please contact her for your bulk and retail pack goods.
Or email co-opstop@hotmail.com and I'll forward on your details.

CLOSE DATE Monday 11th August

Managers Wanted

2009-06-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

Are you:
Community focused
Flexible
Enthusiastic
Able to establish and retain good relationships

We're trying to establish the Campbeltown Co-op and rev up the South Co-op (Sutherland). A manager (or admin) is needed for each. If you're proactive, like minded and happy to volunteer then drop me a line co-opstop@hotmail.com

You won't be alone, there's a heap of information and support/advice from other Managers and myself to help get started.

Honey order OPEN

2009-05-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

Close date 27th May to have your orders and payment received.

Tea Tree - Iron Bark honey

1 kilo jars (min 10) $7.70 each = $77.00
20 kilo tubs $6.25 per kilo = $125.00

Honey comb also available $7.70 (in a take away container)