Farmers' Market

[alastairclark]

There has been a lot of talk about a Farmer' Market in Wirksworth - probably on a Saturday once a month.

I would welcome this idea if we really did get some good quality produce at a reasonable price. However, I know that existing local traders have to work hard to make a living adn I would not want to see their trade suffer or to have shops close because of the market.

Would a market take trade away from Sainsburys or local shops? :confused:

[Unregistered]

Talking to others in the town about this idea, it looks as if it could take off. Surely, those who are researching the possibility will be taking the existing traders into consideration. It's no good having shops if there are no potential shoppers and I think a Farmers' Market would attract people into the town. Go for it!

[Wayne Dwopp]

My mother says it would be a good idea, especially if it was held during the weekend - she prefers Saturday.

[Stella]

Alastair asks, "Would a market take trade away from Sainsburys or local shops? You can rest assured that NOW will

[NOW]

...investigate this in its research. If the town does have its own Farmers' Market, NOW thinks it should have something about it that is unique to Wirksworth. Any suggestions? We warmly welcome any from the Forum!

[Erica Boulton]

If anyone has ever been to a French market...then that would be how I'd like to see a Farmers' Market develop in Wirksworth. And, as we are twinned with Die how about finding out if we could get some French produce such as wine or olive oil, shipped over?

[NOW]

Thanks for this suggestion, Erica. We will take your idea into consideration. Certainly, we want to have a lively market and having seen for ourselves what a French market is like - with lots of colour and vitality - we aim to organise it in this way.

Any other comments? Let us have them!

[jacob]

Any other comments? Let us have them!

Fewer anonymous posts!

cheers
Jacob

[NOW]

We had a very positive response from visitors to the Parish Rooms over the weekend. Today, we have been around to the traders in the town delivering a letter explaining our plans for a monthly Farmers' Market. During the week we will collect them and read what they have written in response. We hope they are for it, like you!

[Erica Boulton]

It'll be interesting to learn their response. I've heard people talking about it in the town, and I think there is an element of excitement at the idea.
I've just placed my vote in the Carnival parade poll. Perhaps there should be a poll for the Farmers' Market. How about it?

[NOW]

Just to keep you in the picture. So far, the response from the shop keepers in the town has been very positive. Some of their comments have been most helpful.
There is a little disagreement about where would be the best place to hold it. NOW would welcome any suggestions on the forum.

[James Ogilvy]

There aren't many spare places in Wirksworth other than the Market place and that takes up all the room for cars to park. Could it be down at the Railway?

[jacob]

Where to hold it? Surely the market place or is that too obvious? Extend into Town Hall perhaps, and along streets too. Reclaim the streets.
Parking not really a problem - look at the huge crowds who manage to make it to the festival trail etc.

cheers
Jacob
PS does the NOW representative have a name? Perhaps it's a different person every time; whoever happens to be on duty in a busy office etc.;)

[Anon]

What about an indoor market in the parish rooms? Change that useless place into something useful.

[NOW]

Many thanks for your suggestion, Anon. However, the Parish Rooms would not be suitable because there is no access for vehicles.

We seem to have two different threads under Farmers' Market. One in Have your Say and one in General News. We recommend reading both!!!

[Erica Boulton]

There aren't many spare places in Wirksworth other than the Market place and that takes up all the room for cars to park. Could it be down at the Railway?

I agree there is space - much of it - down at the Railway.The only problem is that people will get out of their cars, buy their goods and leave Wirksworth. How can we be sure they will walk up Coldwell Street to enter the town?:confused:

It's Saturday and the town is empty. No wonder the shops are closing down. :(

[jacob]

Many thanks for your suggestion, Anon. However, the Parish Rooms would not be suitable because there is no access for vehicles.

Well the main road is only 20 yards or so away. No problem to any half enthusiastic market trader. They have barrows, sack trolleys etc. Could extend outdoors into the church yard, or the lanes.
You get lovely markets in France crammed up tight in pedestrianised areas. Not a problem, an avantage.

NB why is the NOW representative always anonymous? Who are you NOW person?

cheers
Jacob

[NOW]

The NOW Board are delighted to announce that sufficient funds have been made available to launch Wirksworth's first ever Farmers' Market! This will be in September during the second weekend of the Festival. More details later..

[Stella]

NOW is really excited about this for we see it being the start of something that will attract visitors to the town, boost trade and give the town a buzz. Not only do we expect to provide a range of local produce, we also plan to give it a fabulous atmosphere with an element of live music laid on. A Farmers' Market with a real Wirksworth flavour!