I haven't been to the farmers market in Brentford, but I would not be ashamed of my lovely pink spotted Hawkshead wellies (special offer £10 a pair by mail order).It is nice to have a choice of different places to shop and markets offer the broadest opportunity for that don't you think? With shopping centres stuffed full of the same shops so that each town looks the same, markets are really missed in the community.I have been (jolly hockey sticks!) shopping in Guildford at their market and found some very reasonably priced goods and unusual ones which you just don't see in the 'cloned' shops.Home made food always goes down very well, everywhere, and a lot of the produce, genuinely home grown, does taste much better. Remember Jim, the conversations we had about the shop at Osterley? I bought carrots which tasted so lovely, everyone was remarking on them - now how often do you hear teens say oh what lovely tasting carrots...? never in our case, with the supermarket food!I loved the craft fairs in Ealing, in that square which was called the Bentalls centre. Gave a chance to browse and buy and often to meet the person who had made the crafts too.In December we visited Nottingham and the German fair in the town square. Spent ages and I nearly wrote a thread about it, having 'bought presents back' for forum people, which included some diabetic (traditional German cake, whatsitcalled?) stollen, for Jim. Some hand made silver earrings (long dangly ones) for Ann in Ireland. I can't remember what I bought back for Gerry, but there was a beautiful beaded handbag for Vanessa which would have been useful for swinging around and clobbering some of the mutters she comes across. Next time, I will bring one back for Corinna, too. I confess I bought a deamcatcher for me. The rest of you had German sausages barbecued on a real street brazier (eat your hearts, out down under) and people really milled around and chatted.I did make a little faux pas, and t'was very embarrassed. The girl in front, at the crepe stall, was ordering and watching her crepe made up and after the nuttella on they poured - smarties! "ugh!" - which came out of my mouth rather loudly - who said that? I tried to turn round to see ..... she took it in good spirit and we then had a conversation about sugar kicks.Must say I am glad the Brentford Troll only pops up on rare occasions. There is always a spoilsport around … ? ;-)
Sarah Felstead ● 7363d