Progress for open-air farmers’ market idea
A PUBLIC meeting to test the water for a new farmers’ market in Bexhill received encouraging support and has led to a steering group being formed to carry forward the idea.
Some 30 people turned up at the Manor Barn, Old Town, on Tuesday evening to hear Bexhill Environmental Group (BEG) outline proposals to replace the Parkhurst Hall market,which closed last May, with a traditional open-air event, most likely centred on Devonshire Square.
Christopher Strangeways, from Iden, who spearheaded efforts to create Rye’s now well-established weekly Wednesday market more than 10 years ago, was among the speakers and was adamant that, at this stage, nothing should be ruled out while trying to do the same for Bexhill.
He said: “We’ve proposed Devonshire Square as a convenient, central location, but that’s not set in stone. For instance, some people have suggested that space at the front of the De La Warr Pavilion might be a better alternative, and the steering group will look at all ideas.”
Fridays have been earmarked as the most favourable day for a market - consisting of some 18 stalls selling a range of local produce - since larger towns in the area are already running Saturday marts.
Paul Ashwood, of The Spice Company, said parking for both stallholders and customers might need to be addressed if Devonshire Square becomes the chosen venue.
The steering group, to include both Mr Ashwood and Mr Strangeways, is being provisionally led by BEG’s Nick Hollington. It will meet shortly to discuss responsibilities, such as finance, insurance and publicity, and to draw up a draft constitution enabling it to seek grants.
Trading hours will also need to be agreed, but Tuesday’s meeting was broadly in favour of opening early and closing after lunch in order to give working people a chance to place orders for later collection, or to browse stalls during their breaks.
The aim is to launch the market for a trial period in late April or early May.
Michael Bernard, for BEG, said: “We think a farmers’ market is a great idea and we really want to see it here. It would be terrific for Bexhill and we believe it would be very good for both businesses - increasing footfall in the town on a popular trading day - and the community.”
Further information is available by logging onto www.bexhillmarket.org.uk or contacting Mr Hollington on 01424 843046.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
