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farmers market update

I'm feeling very positve this evening, might have something to do with going on holiday this Friday!

Yesterday we held our October farmers market, my fourth since the village hall committee took over running it with a local resident and caterer, Dave Manning. It's been hard work taking over a market that originally started over 18 months ago by another local resident, but it's been a very rewarding experience. Each month I concentrate on contacting existing stall holders, sourcing new ones and marketing and taking the money (which all goes back into the village hall). Because I already write for three newspapers freelance, I can advertise to local people but we also do leaflet drops and advertise in our own village newsletter and local shops and businesses. Yesterday we had people attend from a little further afield, so it's good to know our advertising is working.

I am having to turn away craft stalls because we really need to keep a better balance and offer more food based stalls. We run our own fruit + veg stall with the help of a small group of local volunteers including myself! It's a great way to meet local people and to ask them what they want in the market. We are also very lucky that we have two local farms in Iwade so we can offer very fresh produce, including free range eggs, with the knowledge of where they were grown. You can't get more local than that!

In September we introduced Mighty Meaty, a local group of residents who sell a range of fresh meat and poultry, they even offer a home delivery service. It's working really well and they sell out in the first hour or so! They now sell their sausages in our local farm shop.

For November one of our stall holders will be taking orders for Christmas cakes. Her savouries sell out fast every month and because she makes wedding cakes professionally it's a great opportunity to offer a seasonal service. Her neice runs Cornupocia cakes and she makes the best cup cakes I've tasted, her Champagne + strawberry are delicious. She will also be opening her own tea room later this year in Halfway.

We offer free car parking in the village hall and Dave and his son make fresh bacon rolls + tea/coffee so that visitors can sit down and relax. We have been complimented on the friendly atmosphere and how well run it is. Dave also makes the best game pie (Granny Manning's Pies) and these sell out quickly, his pastry is just perfect!

So if you are in the area please pop along and say hello. Amanda x

Comments

Jo said…
It sounds brilliant, I wish we had something similar near here, I would definitely pay it a visit.
5 October 2010 at 03:35
Eight by Six said…
Thanks Jo. It wasn't something I had intended todo but you know what its like you just get involved in everything :) Off on holiday on Friday for a well deserved break :)
5 October 2010 at 13:19
Jo said…
Have a great time. I'm sure you will.
6 October 2010 at 01:38
Shaheen said…
I like your focus on produce, I am alwys dissapointed when I attend farmers markets and fresh fruit and veg stalls are poorly represented.

Hope your enjoying your break.
14 October 2010 at 09:59
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