Community market.

[sheddie]

This morning i am off to a market town community market, I love it there and have been going for years. It used to be really good but there seems to be a lack of support since new owners took over. But I know everyone there and look forward to it.Over the years I have bought allsorts there but it has changed to mostly crafts, but I still wouldn't miss it. Do you go to or have a community market near you. Must get some salad, fresh eggs etc for Jo coming tomorrow.:D

[Crocus]

I'll wait outside the door Sheds, do mind if I go along? I would enjoy going there!
It is something that is lacking here iin our village. We will perhaps have a fete, or like this weekend the Yellow tail (fish) feast is on at the seaside. (It's an annual event) Usually there's some crafts being sold, and like always, junk as as well. We don't actually like going there, because it's total chaos. The entrance fee is quite heafty as well. And you always get those who will make total fools of themselves in the beer tent.

[franbee]

Is this just a now-and-again market, Sheddie? Is it like a monthly farmers' market?

[eleanor2]

markets seem to be struggling at the moment.

[Oola]

I wish we had more local markets here with local produce and local craftsmen, it would do the community the world of good. Even create a sense of local identity which is severely lacking where I live. You're right eleanor, I think markets are really struggling in some areas. Ours is located literally on the doorstep of our local monopolising force of Tesco, and the other market is in the carpark of Waitrose!

Waitrose was built on the site of the old petrol station and cinema that had turned into a pool hall, so for many was a welcome relief and much more tidy to look at. However the town had a market charter dating from the 1200s, and the farmer's market was held in the car park of the shops and old cinema once a month, as well as it being host to the local normal market. When Waitrose got their planning permission, part of the deal was that they'd have to lend some space to both markets, and the car park was made out specially to host them when needed.

It doesn't seem to have harmed the farmer's market as they tend to provide more specialist produce. However I think the normal weekly market has suffered quite a slump in some areas. The market in my town isn't so inspiring anymore, just your usual stuff and no farmer's market. It's a shame because I know there are loads of elderly people who'd find it a lot easier to access the farmer's market in my town rather than travelling to the next town or relying on Tesco.

[sheddie]

Hi Franbee it is once a month and they stand outside and ring a bell to encourage people in. I really enjoy it but the stallholders have definately gone down in number, but I still look forward to it. X

[franbee]

It's usually in the interest of the organisers to have a full compliment of stalls, and unfortunately it is easy to get into a downward spiral, fewer stalls, fewer punters. Maybe a bit of better weather will bring people out of the woodwork.

[sheddie]

I think there should be more community markets, they are a good thing. X

[baab95]

The quality and variety of the goods/produce is obviously important, but I wonder whether the physical environment has anything to do with the level of patronage/interest for some markets? A market in a carpark doesn't sound particularly appealing to me, whereas one held on a town square/sporting ground/park/school oval seems more appropriate.

[lily]

Tavistock in West Devon has a thriving market if ever any of you are nearby. There is a mid week victorian market plus friday produce and often saturday peoples market or special plant one. Also a farmers market in the open I think once a month- that one tends to be a bit pricey.

[Oola]

Well the one in my town is pretty grotty to look at. I think it could do better elsewhere but for the people that use it, it's really easily accessible from all over the town. The only other option would be to move it right to the outskirts. However the one in the next georgian market town is down one end of the car park with special car parking spaces painted with 'M' - on thursdays they are taken up with the stalls. All around the car park are georgian buildings and a huge beautiful listed georgian wall, trees etc. and it leads out onto the little town square with a cafe, jewellers and the like. It's not perfect but in terms of parking for those who can't walk there, accessibility and handyness, it's the best that will do.