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Gerrards Cross Farmers' Market

We regret to advise customers that the June market is the last. If you would like to be informed of any future farmers' market at Gerrards Cross then please e-mail us at info@tvfm.org.uk or phone 01235 227266.

Newbury farmers' market to run twice a month

Patron of Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative and celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson launched the first twice-monthly market in Newbury on 21st October.

The market is now running twice a month, on the first and third Sundays of each month, due to popular demand from customers in Newbury.

In his comments to the assembled crowds Antony said that buying local produce cut down food miles and supported local communities.

He added “Produce that’s in season is very important for our health. Who wants to buy strawberries in December and asparagus all year round?”

Local food writer Debbie Hearn demonstrated apple based apple based recipes for national Apple Day using fruit from Cross Lanes fruit farm, a popular local producer at the Newbury farmers’ market.

Debbie commented that “The value of the certified farmers’ markets is that they’re good for a market town such as Newbury because they keep the town in its original function. I think it’s good for the communities – especially the farming community.”

Hungerford Market

The market expands. Market organiser Pete Williams from Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative (TVFMC) has welcomed new stalls and new produce on the market.

“There’s fresh local vegetables from Ogg Valley Organics, and meat from Dews Meadow and Challow Hill farms near Wantage. Other produce includes cakes, watercress, Cheddar cheese, bread, pickles, jams and preserves,” says Pete.

“One of the new stalls is selling fresh sea-fish and shell-fish from Selsey in West Sussex. Lobster and crab are very fresh and very popular at our other markets”.

Markets are held on the forth Sunday of each month in Hungerford.

Wes Smith of ITV Meridian Thames Valley Tonight visits Witney farmers’ market

Video clip taken from Thames Valley Tonight (ITV Meridian) and the piece appeared on Tuesday 5 June. Shown courtesy of ITV Meridian.

26 June 2007

Westminster comes to markets

Throughout June we have been targeting MPs - getting our message across to our elected representatives in Westminster.

All MPs were invited to a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group (APPMG) in Westminster on 18th June. Representatives from The National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) and farmers' markets including Thames Valley Farmers' market Co-operative met with the Chair of the APPMG Ann Coffey MP, Yvette Cooper MP (Minister of State, Housing and Planning) as well as a number of other MPs.

TVFMC have written to all the MPs within their region inviting them to attend our markets during June and July.

We have had a great response and several MPs have visited our markets including David Cameron spotted at Chipping Norton market, Dominic Grieve at Beaconsfield. Richard Benyon is due to visit Newbury on 1st July.

This contact with our elected representatives at Westminster will help us to promote the profile of farmers' markets and put across the importance of farmers' markets within local communities - the benefits to local economy through supporting local farmers and producers, as well as to local town centres where the presence of a farmers' market can help boost trade for all traders.