Every stitch tells a story at Nambour Markets

John’s hands are worn, rough from years of bricklaying in the sun, but when he threads a needle through leather, there’s a gentleness to them. No machines - just skill, patience, and a lifetime of knowledge passed down from his grandfather, a saddler for racehorses.

John and his wife, Glenda, run Country Leather, a little stall which is set up each Thursday at Nambour Markets in Town Square.

He crafts whips, belts, and custom leather goods - each piece stitched by hand, the old way.

His latest work? A whip he is still in the process of crafting which is made from kangaroo hide that he plans to enter into this year’s Sunshine Coast Show.

There’s a story at every market stall in Nambour, and John and Glenda are no different.

John grew up in a little country town in north-west New South Wales and spent a decade bricklaying in New Guinea in the 60s before it became an independent state in the 70s.

Following a move back to Australia and meeting and marrying Glenda, John suffered a heart attack that led to five bypass surgeries and prompted the couple to move to Mooloolah Valley to be closer to John’s specialists.

John and Glenda have been part of the local markets since 2018 crafting all sorts of custom items – except saddles, John says.

Come down to the Nambour Markets this Thursday in town square to meet John and Glenda.

Have a yarn, check out the craftsmanship, and maybe even take home a little piece of leatherwork made the old-fashioned way – with plenty of heart, careful hands and a hint of history.

 • Nambour Markets | Lowe St | Every Thursday from 8am.

John and Glenda have been part of the local markets since 2018