Farmers’ Markets in Marlborough, which came to an end last June after filling the town hall once a month for almost 12 years, are on their way back – on Sundays.
And they have been given permission by Wiltshire Council to take over the open-air section of the High Street used twice a week for the town’s traditional market, granted consent in its royal charter of 1204.
The project has the support of Marlborough town councillors and Transition Marlborough, who are working with Wessex Community Markets, a not for profit organisation committed to promoting and expanding sustainable alternative food networks in the county.
A re-launch event is to take place on Saturday (March 17) when St John’s School holds its Science Fair. Volunteers from Marlborough’s transition town group, town councillor Rich Pitts and Ellie Gill from Wessex Community Markets will be there, along with local producers, to raise awareness and support for the new farmers’ market.
June is the target date for launching the Sunday markets, but first substantial funds have to be raised to cover the start-up costs. Sponsorship is being sought an members of the community can ensure the financial viability of the market by becoming a Friend of the Market for £10 a year.
“Town council support when starting up a project such as this is absolutely essential, as in the case of the successful farmers’ markets in Stroud and Winchester, which received support from their council from the start,” market organiser Ellie told Marlborough News Online.
“The initial set-up costs of items such as umbrellas is quite high and the start date of the market is dependant on securing those funds.”
“However, the Wessex Community Market model is such that we are merely facilitators to groups such as Transition Marlborough to start up their market for the sake of the community.”
“And it is this community ownership that will ensure the success of the market in the years to come after we have helped best practice guidelines to be put into place.”
Ellie, who holds degrees is science and the environment from Bath Spa University, is currently working with a number of Wiltshire towns to promote community markets, the farmers’ markets seeking accreditation through FARMA, the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association.
Marlborough’s mayor, Councillor Alexander Kirk Wilson, has already declared the market “a jolly good idea” and positive town councillors are now looking at ways of supporting the initiative with a grant to put the project on a firm basis.
“It will be a lively addition to the Marlborough street scene,” Councillor Pitts told Marlborough News Online. “In talking to traders, the majority welcome this as providing another reason to visit Marlborough when the parking charges are not an issue.”
“Although in the High Street we will still have over 500 parking spaces in the various car parks.”
He added: “I am particularly pleased to see the great support St John’s have provided. We are sure that next Saturday will be a huge success for all and a great relaunch of farmers markets here in Marlborough.”
The model for Marlborough – a minimum of 15 stalls are planned – will also incorporate space for entrepreneurs to try out business ideas and incentives for local allotment growers and smallholders who cannot commit to supplying year-round fresh produce.
Ellie is also keen for local cooks, fruit and vegetable growers and artisan producers to apply for a pitch in a bid to create a bustling and vibrant farmers’ market of variety.
“In terms of value for money for those hit by the recession, farmers’ markets compete most favourably against supermarkets for basic essentials such as fruit and vegetables,” added Ellie.
“One of the key messages that farmers’ markets promote is that we have lived in a culture of cheap subsidised food for too long and have as such become a nation that wastes a high percentage of the food we buy.”
“In the words of the Oxford historian Felipe Fernadez-Armesto, ‘”What we need is a revolution in values, making us more willing to pay a just price, a proper price for food and to relish it more.’”
For a pitch at the farmers’ market, for a full range of sponsorship packages or to become a Friend of the Marlborough farmers’ market, contact Ellie Gill on infowcm@email.com or contact her on 07971 184723.
Or visit the market re-launch by the entrance at St John’s School between 11 and 4pm on Saturday