Farmers Market celebrates seven years trading

BEXHILL'S FARMERS Market celebrated it's seven year anniversary at Parkhurst Hall on Thursday.

Organiser Cllr Stuart Wood said it had been difficult to keep the market (which is held on the fourth Thursday of each month) going at times, particularly in the current economic climate.

Stuart said: "I must be honest, it has been a struggle to keep it going and to keep the number of stalls that we need. It's a chicken and egg situation; we need the stalls to attract the customers and we need the customers to make it worthwhile for the stallholders.

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"If the stalls are down people don't come back and say there isn't much there, but if people don't support the market and buy from the stalls, the stallholders say it isn't worthwhile."

The late summer sunshine enticed many to venture outdoors and the market appeared to be well supported as it celebrated its anniversary.

Many locals who regularly attend the market commented on the attraction of what's available at the market, including a wide range of fresh fruit, veg, preserves, free range eggs, Fairtrade products, cakes, meats, pies, bread and rolls, all followed by a welcoming cuppa and biscuits.

In addition, Stuart chose the day to take a survey, arranged in conjunction with the National Farmers Markets Association and the Plunkett Foundation and posed questions to customers such as "Where did you hear of the market?" and, "Do you attend other farmers markets?"

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Stuart said all the information gathered will be analysed and presented at a meeting of all markets in the Hastings and Rother area to be held on 12th October, and he's hoping there will be a positive outcome in order to improve the market with more stallholders and obtain some financial support.

Stuart said: "All markets are suffering due to the financial situation. Hopefully we will get some funding and help with publicity '“ and hopefully more stalls."

The next Farmers market at Parkhurst Hall will be held on Thursday October 22nd.

For more information on the market or for anyone interested in being a stall holder call (01424) 222969.