Music store celebrates 12 months

Frank and Marilyn Russell have been trading in their Woy Woy music store for just over 12 months.

Peninsula Music will celebrate its first birthday with a party on Saturday, December 4, from noon and everyone's invited.

There will be a free sausage sizzle, free birthday cake, some lucky shopper birthday presents and some free entertainment, all in their large rear carpark in George St, Woy Woy.

"When we first opened our doors, many people said that we needed a music store on the Peninsula, but I hope you get enough business to stay open," Marilyn said.

"Well one year later, we're still here and getting stronger every day.

"That's not to say that it hasn't been tough as there were some days when we didn't see a customer.

"The margins on music products are not very high so we need volume sales," she said.

Husband Frank said: "We had to diversify and get involved with as many different areas as we could to make ends meet.

"We not only sell products but we hire them as well.

"We teach music, we run workshops, we sell on eBay, we sell at music festivals and we get involved with many community events," he said.

Frank is the president of the Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association and Marilyn is the treasurer.

The couple, with the help of Marilyn's mother Margaret and her aunt Freda, are the main driving force behind the monthly Troubadour Folk Club.

They are also involved, with the help of many other people, in organising the annual Umina Beach Folk Festival.

"All this takes up a great deal of time, in fact much more than I can spare, but I enjoy it," Marilyn said.

The couple also performs regularly as two of the three members of local band The Usual Suspects.

Marilyn said: "Peninsula Music was started to provide the community on the Peninsula with access to musical instruments, accessories and music tuition.

"Whilst we cater mainly for the beginner and intermediate musician, we also provide a service for the professional musician giving access to high quality musical products not previously available on the Peninsula.

"Our aim is to promote music within the community at an affordable price.

"We look at value for money and not just the bottom line.

"Information and advice is free.

"Every customer is important to us, whether it be a five year old wanting to buy a 50 cent pick or a professional wanting to update their instrument.

"It's not just about the sale but about servicing the needs of the community and helping them choose the best instrument available within their budget.

"It's about helping the community understand and fulfil their musical needs and promoting music as a pastime on the Peninsula."

In their first year of trading, Peninsula Music was nominated as a finalist in three categories of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

The categories were the new business encouragement award; best contribution to the community, and for the best business with one to three employees.

They won the best small business with one to three employees award.

"We were very surprised to be selected as a finalist in one category let alone three, particularly as we are still a new struggling business," they said.

"To win the best small business award for businesses with less than three people in our first year was absolutely amazing," Marilyn said.

The business has provided much sponsorship throughout the year, even though it has been a difficult thing to do financially.

They have sponsored homework books at Umina Public School, coasters at Club Umina, a charity day at Woy Woy Bowling Club, a crime prevention review, the Umina Beach Folk Festival and the Troubadour Folk Club, performances at Peninsula Theatre and they have promoted local musical performers and performances

Cec Bucello, November 26