School holidays are nearly here...

School holidays are about to begin and we're looking to seeing lots of visitors in Burra over the next couple of weeks. If you're passing through make sure you drop in to Gaslight for a coffee and some of our delicious cakes or scones.

For Sale - Gaslight Collectables and Old Books

After 5 years of living and working at Gaslight, we have decided the time is right to move on to our next adventure so our lovely business is on the market.

All the information about the sale is available from Julie Gabe at Ray White in Clare. You can telephone Julie on 0438 836 508 or have a look at http://myproperty.raywhite.com/PropertyDetails.aspx?id=752306 for more details.

We are a little bit sad about the sale and a little bit excited at the same time. We will keep our blogging friends up to date about what's happening, but make sure you drop in and see us for a coffee before we leave.

It's hard to believe that autumn is here already, but everything's coming up roses at Gaslight. Drop in to see our gorgeous new stock, or just to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate as the cold winds start to blow.

Happy Australia Day everyone!

At Gaslight when we have something to say we say it with shortbread. Happy Australia Day everyone! Sincere apologies to Tasmania - someone seems to have eaten you.

We will be open all day so come in and enjoy an Australia Day treat with us.

Happy 2012!

The holidays are over and the Gaslight team is ready for 2012! We are back and open for business 10 am to 5pm, seven days a week so drop in for a coffee and say hello.

Christmas opening hours

Gaslight will be open until 3.00pm on Christmas eve, so there is still time for some last minute Christmas shopping. We will be re-opening on Friday 30th December at 10am and hope to see you then.

Our best wishes to all our customers for a very happy Christmas.

Christmas celebrations at Gaslight

Last weekend the Gaslight team, along with families and friends, took some time out to celebrated Christmas at the wonderful Mt Bryan Hotel. A big thank you to Simon, Kymm and all the Mt Bryan team for providing us with such a wonderful venue and delicious food. If you haven't made the short trip from Burra to Mt Bryan to visit the hotel we recommend you do - you'll be surprised.

Spring into Burra

Spring has arrived in Burra and the Gaslight garden. Where better to spend a day or two than the beautiful mid north of South Australia, so come and enjoy the beautiful warm weather and all that Burra has to offer.

Open Gardens Weekend in Burra

Take a trip to Burra on the 22nd or 23rd October and you can visit the beautiful Open Gardens around the town - and after you've taken in all the loveliness drop in to Gaslight for a delicious afternoon tea!

Books, books, books....

Lots of wonderful books have just arrived at Gaslight. Lovely old copies by Ethel Turner, Mary Grant Bruce, Ion Idriess, Arthur Upfield and Enid Blyton. My favourites are the "Anne" books by L M Montgomery, but you can also find the adventures of Jane of Lantern Hill, Emily of New Moon, Kilmeny of the Orchard and Rilla among the new arrivals.

Gorgeous new stock now in store!

The Atomic Coffee maker is a classic, but the coffee is not quite as good as ours!

This is one of a pair of highly decorative urns. The beautiful colours will make a real statement in the right home.

Estimated to be around 150 years old, this beautiful wooden wedding basket comes apart and forms three levels for packing your wedding banquet.

Standing close to a metre tall, this Celadon style vase makes quite an impression. The only problem is that it's so heavy once you have it in place you'll never want to try and move it again!

A new exhibition coming to the Burra Regional Art Gallery

Right Royal Celebrations

The ladies of Gaslight (Jill, Adrienne and Teresa), embraced the spirit of the Royal Wedding last Friday and spent the day wearing their tiaras. We feel they added that certain "something" our uniforms have been lacking. Emily (not in the picture) has dubbed herself "The Duchess of Gaslight" so if you happen to pass her in the street please remember to curtsey!

The 2011 Burra Antique and Collectables Fair

April 30th and May 1st

The beautifully refurbished historic Burra Town Hall and the school gymnasium will be again be filled with antiques and collectables for sale for the 20th annual fair. Held over 2 days the fair features dealers from around Australia, all coming to town to sell their wares. As well there is antique appraisal available on both days ($5 for 3 items) and of course Burra's six antique shops will all be open for business.

At only $6 entry, or $9 for a weekend pass, this a great value event and a fun way to spend a weekend.

A free shuttle bus will run between the 2 venues and children under 16, accompanied be an adult, will be admitted free.

Gaslight is closing (but only for a week!)

Gaslight Collectables & Old Books will be closed from 5pm on Friday 18^th February until 10am on Saturday 26^th February.

We hope to see you for a coffee when we get back.

Get your dancing shoes on!

It's February and in Burra that means "Jazz in the Monster Mine"! This year we're set to dance the night away to the cool swing of the Sass-E-Singers and the upbeat jive of Gumbo Ya Ya. The night will be hosted by SA's own Local Hero, Peter Goers, so get down to the Burra Visitor Information Centre and grab yourself a ticket before they're all gone.

We'll see you on the dance floor!

Saturday 12th February

6.30pm til midnight

Flood fundraiser

Last Saturday Gaslight donated $1 from every cup of coffee we sold to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal to assist the flood victims in Queensland. With additional donations from many of our customers we quickly raised just over $200. A big thank you to our generous customers for their donations.

New stock

Now that Christmas is really over we have been in town buying lots of lovely new stock for the shop. Adrienne has been very busy polishing the silver so come and have a look next time you're passing. And don't be fooled - Bob wasn't helping, he was just walking passed and managed to get in the photo!

Fill up your pantry!

New at Gaslight for 2011, we are introducing a small range of pantry items to get you through those times when everything else in town seems to be shut. Pasta, olives, tinned tomatoes, dry biscuits, pesto, capers, olive oil, capsicums, jams and jars of delicious black cherries - enough for a delicious meal or just a special treat.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

This year, instead of dusty tinsel, we've decorated the shop with these gorgeous Christmas decals from The Alphabet Tree. Their pretty Christmas trees and baubles make a great Christmas display without all the usual clutter. Have a look at their website for lots of other great decorating ideas www.alphabettree.com.au

Water, water everywhere...

After a night of torrential rain Burra is slowly recovering, but it my take a few days for all the water to subside and everything to return to normal. We had about 100mls overnight and are now hoping for a few fine days so the crops can dry out the harvest can begin.

This is a picture of the path across the creek between Gaslight and Paxton Square Cottages. It might be a good idea to go the long way around for the next couple of days!

Christmas is almost here!

With Christmas just around the corner, the town is busily preparing for the festive season and the Gaslight is no different. With colorful decorations and Christmas shortbread, we're guaranteed to melt any old Scrooge's heart. Not only do we serve an excellent coffee with a cheerful smile, but it could also be the place to get that special someone the perfect gift. We have a wide selection of antiques ranging from beautiful porcelain to uniquely designed teapots.

Fox and Feathers at Gaslight

This Christmas we are stocking some of the wonderful handmade products from the Fox and Feathers range. So far one of the big favourites has been these gorgeous tooth safes ($28), with a special place to keep your teeth so the tooth fairy can find them, and a journal to remind you about which teeth you lost when.

If you're looking for a very special Christmas stocking come and choose one of these handmade boots ($35) - a modern twist on an old Christmas favourite and one that will surely become part of Christmas traditions for years to come.

Thanks Helen!

One of our lovely Burra friends dropped in with these beautiful roses from her garden yesterday. How lucky we are to live in a town with such special people. Thanks Helen!

Now, that's more like it

After a rather shaky start spring has arrived in the mid north. The canola is looking gorgeous and crops are lush and green after all that lovely winter rain.

The Burra Show was a great success 2 weeks ago and 'Art of the Flower and Garden' is on display at the Burra Regional Art Gallery, making us all feel sunny and bright. It's a great time for a visit to Burra and beyond so drop in at Gaslight for a coffee if you're in the area.

Go the mighty Redlegs

At Gaslight we're nailing our colours to the wall and backing Norwood for a big win in todays SANFL Grand Final. We can't be there to watch the game in person, but we'll be there in spirit.Go the mighty Redlegs!!

Spring in Burra!

Today is the 4th is September and we had hoped that spring might be in the air. Instead Burra, and most of the rest of southern Australia, is being hit by a deluge of rain and furious winds. We had 31 mm of rain in the rain gauge overnight and there's going to be a lot more by the time we close the shop tonight.

It's lovely and warm by our potbelly stove, if you're brave enough to go out in the cold to try and reach to us!

Clare Valley Tourism Awards

We are delighted that Gaslight Collectables and Old Books has taken out the Restaurant and Catering Services Award in this years Clare Valley Tourism Awards. The awards were presented at a dinner for 120 tourism operators held at the Artisan's Table in Clare last Friday night.

This is the third year we have been lucky enough to be recognised, prompting the host for the event, Andrew "Cossie" Costello from SAFM, to name Gaslight "the Makybe Diva of restaurants"!

High Tea with the Girls

Martine's chickens are living the good life and enjoying their leftover Gaslight scones in style. Thanks for pictures Martine - we love them!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday and Gaslight is a great place to find that special gift for Mum. We recommend Dianne Hall's beautiful book, "High Tea in the Garden" for mums who love cooking or gardening. Or take Mum out for the day. Afternoon tea at Gaslight is always a special treat.

Dates for your diary

1st and 2nd May - Burra Antique and Collectables Fair

The beautifully refurbished historic Burra Town Hall and the school gymnasium will be filled with antiques and collectables for sale for the 19th annual fair. Held over 2 days the fair features dealers from around Australia, all coming to town to sell their wares. As well there is free antique appraisal on both days and of course Burra's six antique shops will all be open for business.

At only $9 for a weekend pass this a great value event and a fun way to spend a weekend.

15 and 16 May - Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend 2010

The tables will be set for the 2010 Clare Valley Gourmet weekend when the region's premium wines will be matched with indulgent fine dining experiences and live entertainment. A great way to enjoy our fabulous South Australian produce and have some fun while you do it!

Easter opening hours

You can hop into Gaslight any time over Easter. To be sure we don't miss the Easter Bunny we will be here every day from 10am to 5pm , so come in and join us for a delicious coffee and a hot cross bun.