Village farmers' market set for relaunch

Wisborough Green Farmers' and Village Market is to be relaunched with an extra large event on July 14.

The market has been held in the village hall from 9.30am to 12.30pm on the second Thursday of every month, excluding January, for the last 14 years.

Emma Johnston, a volunteer working to promote the event, said they want the relaunch to raise the market’s profile and to change old perceptions of it.

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They plan to give the market a whole new feel, with new stallholders, stalls run by Wisborough Green Primary School pupils, manicures and massages, colouring activities for children, and free cake with coffee.

The July 14 event will give organisers a chance to consult with their visitors and assess which things people like most about it.

Emma said the market is run by a volunteer committee - Mary Lindfield, Aija Hamilton, and Ray Vernalls.

“Any profit made by the local farmers’ market is to be donated between nominated charities,” she said.

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“Wisborough Green Farmers’ Market Plus currently supports Macmillan Cancer Support, Parish Council projects, Wisborough Green Primary School, Fete Society and Parish Magazine. They hope to support many other local causes.”

Regular stalls at the market include: Fresh breads, cereals; aloe vera, skin care, nutrition; jute bags; children’s clothing; Start-up Computing; St Peter’s Fair Trading; herbalist; local honey and skin products; jewellery; butcher; fishmonger; linseed oils; pet food; cards; plants and flowers; house signs; children’s books; smoked foods; quail; cheeses; blacksmith; ceramics; pastries; fruit and vegetables.

Macmillan Cancer support provides tea, coffee and cakes.

“On 14th July for the relaunch we are trialling some new stalls,” said Emma. “Kids’ toys, scarves, the Wisborough Green Primary School running mini businesses, and Make Believe Beauty.”

The market has never been directly advertised before, but Emma set out their plans to bring in a wider range of visitors: “Currently the market mainly benefits from Wisborough Green residents visiting the market.

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“There is potential to grow visits by the 2,477 potential residents in Wisborough Green and Kirdford, 185 school children’s parents, and local tourists.

“As a second target, all surrounding villages offer potential visitors (Ashington, Billingshurst, Barn’s Green, Fittleworth, Loxwood, Petworth, Pulborough, Rudgwick, Shipley, Slinfold, Southwater, West Chiltington).”

To promote the market, they will be targeting local residents, parents of children at the primary school, pubs, campsites, bed and breakfast establishments, and local shop message boards with leaflets, flyers, posters, and social media messages.

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