A new monthly farmers’ market that starts on Wednesday this week at the Willow Brook Centre will “bring the countryside back into Bradley Stoke” says Market Manager Jim Wilkie.
The proposed market looked doomed earlier this year after a number of businesses at the shopping centre raised objections to its introduction, leading to one Town Councillor labelling the stores “narrow minded”.
The objections were eventually overcome and the market given the go-ahead for a three month trial run.
Mr Wilkie told The Journal:
“A farmers’ market is unusual in that the people selling are the same people involved in the producing. You can be confident that what you are buying is produced nearby and comes to you directly from local fields, ovens, kitchens and ground.”
“For the shopper it means you are dealing with people that are proud of what they have for sale. They look forward to answering your questions and offering advice on getting the best from your purchase.”
Produce available at the market is expected to include home made preserves and jams, home made cakes, cheeses, plants and flowers, locally reared lamb and beef, hand made chocolates and sweets.
Many of the stalls will offer tasters, allowing shoppers to determine which particular recipes appeal before purchasing.
Jim says it’s appropriate for him to be involved with a farmers’ market in Bradley Stoke:
“As I remember when Bradley Stoke was farmland, it seems only fitting to be bringing the countryside back into Bradley Stoke”
The Bradley Stoke Farmers’ Market will take place in the Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre from 10am to 3pm on 13th October, 10th November and 8th December.
Related news: Bradley Stoke Town Council’s well established monthly Coffee Morning and Market will now take place at the Jubilee Centre on the second Thursday of every month.
Related link: Markets in and around Bradley Stoke (The Journal)
Can anyone give an update on how the first Farmer’s Market was received. I couldn’t make this one, but am hoping to go to the next. It would be nice if this could be a success.
would be nice to see something like this on a weekend too as the centre is probably at it’s most busiest and for those of us who can’t take advantage in the week as it ends at 3pm.