To market, to market

In 1855, a chap called Robert Bulcock arrived in Queensland from Lancashire. He arrived as a farmer but this was not to be his profession for very long. He wanted to get into politics, to change the way Queensland was managed for the population. His biggest thing was temperance.

The main thoroughfare through Caloundra is called Bulcock Street and is named after Robert. He was issued a new deed of 277 acres in the Caloundra district in 1874. At this time he was a State member for Enoggera. Not long after purchasing the land, Robert built a house which overlooked the beach now named after him. It was his retreat from politics.

Robert, as well as fearing alcohol, was a bit worried about the Russians so, in 1881, he had erected an observation tower on the highest point – it was near the site of the present day lighthouse. The lighthouse itself, was built in 1896 on land that was donated by Robert.

I guess he deserves having the street and the beach named after him…though I feel a bit sorry for anyone who has never enjoyed the subtleties of different ales and wines.

Robert Bulcock died in 1900. These days, the street named after him is closed on Sundays in order to hold the weekly market. We went today to check it out.

Some of the stalls in Bulcock Street

The market extends through two blocks down Bulcock and was already starting to buzz when we turned up just after 8am. Tracey had decided to wake up at silly o’clock and join mum and me for a morning stroll between the tents of produce, hippy clothes and designer soaps.

I feel it very important to include my two favourite stalls. Firstly, the brilliant German sausage stall, selling Bratwurst (and a few other ‘wursts’) and sauerkraut on a roll which I just had to have for breakfast. Secondly, the strange phenomenon of slinky chips.

Like chips…but on a stick!

And then, upon our return, I made mum and dad a Simnel Cake! Mum has been intrigued ever since my first Simnel a few Easters ago. So, braving the heat of the kitchen, I beat up and cooked one for them both. Late in the day, they gave it a big thumbs up.

Easter, Christmas…whatever!

I think Robert Bulcock would have liked my Simnel Cake…there’s no alcohol in it.