After two and a half long years, Beckley relaunched its farmers’ and craft market last Sunday. There was a buzz in the air as the stallholders set up on a sunny morning, quickly and excitedly bringing in their wares, saying hello to faces they hadn’t seen for a long time and wondering what was to come.
As the clock struck 10, the queue to enter snaked into the car park, and the fun started with people buying their raffle tickets from the hard-working guides and brownies. They made their way around the 30 stalls ranging from the usual suspects of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, bread and cheese along with new faces of local gin, coffee roasters and sustainable candles. The crafts on offer were amazing: crochet toys, luxury beauty products and soaps – it is hard to list them all. The scavenger hunt, to keep the children occupied so mums, dads and grandparents could shop in peace, was loved by the young and young at heart.
The turnout made up of the businesses who eagerly signed up to sell their products and the nearly 300 customers who came in to say hello, spend their money and munch down on the WI’s bacon butties, was testament that the market was sorely missed. The feedback received from sellers and customers was amazing.
Why did we relaunch the market? To create a monthly event for locals to meet, catch up and be able to buy local produce without having to drive or catch a bus while raising money for the village hall.
The village hall is the main hub for many in Beckley and the market is organised by volunteers so that everything raised is used for updating and repairs.
We are always looking for volunteers to help out. It is a really fun atmosphere, suitable for anyone. If you would like to join us, please email beckleyfarmersmarket@outlook.com
Every month we will have different stalls, while others will be on holiday, always keeping it fresh. Rest assured we will always have the staples of a farmers market. During the warmer weather, we will be expanding outside to give you even more choice. Make sure you pop down on the 4th Sunday of the month to see what is new (May 22, June 26, July 24) from 10am to 12pm.
Image Credits: Natasha Vadorin .