The organiser of Budleigh Salterton Farmers’ Market has issued a heartfelt plea to the community to support the monthly event and save it from closure.
The market, which champions local produce and artisan producers, is relocating indoors for the first time in its 13-year history in the hope of attracting more stallholders and shoppers in time for its Christmas event on Friday, December 21.
The market is moving from its usual location at Rolle Mews car park into the Public Hall where stalls offering a variety of products from honey and cakes to art and crafts, will be in situ from 9am until 1pm. Christmas shoppers at this month’s event will be offered a complimentary glass of mulled wine.
More stallholders, particularly artists, jewellers and other craftspeople, as well as performers are being sought for the pre-Christmas market as well as future events.
The farmers’ market is organised by Tom Garner, wildlife ranger for Clinton Devon Estates, who also hosts a stall selling a range of venison products which he creates from deer he manages on nearby Estate land. Since the relaunch of the market last autumn, Tom has worked hard to increase the number of stallholders at the market but says more stallholders and shoppers are needed to secure its future.
“Over the years the number of stallholders has fluctuated,” explained Tom. “After the relaunch numbers picked up but for one reason or another have dropped again, and unless we can find more, the market won’t be sustainable. It really is make-or-break time, and our message to the community is use it or lose it.
“We need stallholders to attract more shoppers, but need shoppers to attract more stallholders! I’m working hard to find more stallholders for the pre-Christmas market and hope people will come along and see what’s on offer and continue to support local producers throughout the year.”
Teas, coffees and cakes will be available from the Public Hall’s café and new stalls will include handmade soap, charcuterie and honey.
Tom has extended his gratitude to local resident John Tansley whose help setting up the outdoor market for 13 years has been invaluable.
He added: “We hope bringing the market inside will increase footfall because at least the weather won’t be a deterrent anymore! The whole idea for the market was to provide local producers a platform to showcase and sell their products while giving people the chance to buy artisan produce. We hope this will continue.”
Anyone interested in having a stall or providing entertainment should contact Tom on 07815 090684 or [email protected]
For more information visit the Budleigh Salterton Farmers’ Market Facebook page.