Burton Latimer Town Council has set up a small group to revitalise our monthly Farmers Market.

The market has met in Burton Latimer’s Millennium Garden on the 1^st Saturday of each month ever since it was established in 2006. At different times over the years it has attracted traders selling eggs, fresh and processed meat, fruit & vegetables, cheese, herbs, olives, preserves, organic soaps, honey, plants and flowers. There have also been stalls run by the Friends of St Mary’s Church, the Heritage Society, and local craftspeople offering examples of their work for sale.

However, it is fair to say that some of these stalls have proved more successful and longer-lasting than others. What’s more, the market has sometimes struggled to attract enough visitors to justify the time and effort of all those who work hard to keep it running – and this is why BLTC is aiming to see how the event can be refreshed.

Another consideration is that the market is intended to be more than a place to stock up with foodstuffs. It also has the potential to serve as a focus for the community, to provide opportunities to discuss local issues with our town councillors, and to draw people to our town’s shops and eateries.

The ‘Farmers Market Revitalisation Group’ currently consists of Councillors Michael Sinclair, Jay Mitchell-Bunce and Steven Baynes – but they are keen to involve other local residents in taking this project forward. If you have any ideas or suggestions for how the Farmers Market could be rejuvenated – or you would like to join the Group, please contact Michael Sinclair by ‘phone (07912 370774) or by email (michael.sinclair097@gmail.com).

To kick-start the process – and to attract new participants – the Group has decided that the July and August Farmers Markets will be FREE for all stallholders. Although there will be no charge, pre-booking is essential (contact Michael Sinclair, as above) and you will need to bring your own table or gazebo. New stallholders are most welcome.