Forum Topic

Weekly Farmer's Market IS something to boast about.

Aside from the fact that I get sick and tired of making Tesco anymore rich than they need be on a weekly basis, and the fact that its nice to not have to buy everything in plastic wrapped packs, it's great that we have this on our doorstep.  More can be done to make the Farmer's Market part of the fabric of Brentford.  Something to add to the identity of the community.I just hope that Brentford can build on it over time. It might serve to give the High Street a bit of a focus in future if it could ever be moved there.  It would be brilliant if the High Street could be buzzing centre of stalls as well as shops.  I've always thought the square in from of the Magistrates Court lacked a sense of place. 

Conal Stewart ● 7276d9 Comments

I think you were right the first time Keith ;-)

Paul Fisher ● 7275d

Sorry meant to say '...much happens there before 12 or so..'

Keith Iddon ● 7276d

The car park at Waterman's Art centre?Don't think much happens there before or so on any day.Perhaps it would help to raise their profile in the local comm. too as they must be struggling a bit.

Keith Iddon ● 7276d

Would it be cheeky to ask Somerfield for the use of their car park?;-)

Keith Iddon ● 7276d

The Farm Shop at Osterley is well worth a visit.Thanks to everybody for the kind words on the market. Jim - I'm right here for suggestions, and would love to chat to anyone at the market. I'll be in the fetching flourescent jacket.We did look at other locations. The area outside the Magistrates Court was attractive but when one looks closely it's smaller than you may think. A few people have mentioned The Butts but then one is into getting market permits, closing the road etc, with added administrative and financial difficulties. I am still interested in holding it in Catherine Wheel Road, bringing some life back to the High Street area, but this will have to wait. And I must say that the PCT, the Health Centre and Brentford Lodge have all been really supportive.As for holding the market weekly, we figured that most people shop once a week. In the long run the market will prosper if people support it and disappear if they don't - we will do our best to promote it and make sure that there is a wide range of stalls.If anyone wants to read why local markets are worth supporting, read 'Not On The Label' by Felicity Lawrence.

Matt Harmer ● 7276d

Conal,have you been to the farm shop at Osterley Park?

Keith Iddon ● 7276d

Conal,have you been to the farm shop at Osterley Park?

Keith Iddon ● 7276d

I completely agree with you Conal that the Farmers Market could be a valuble asset to the Brentford area if only it was taken to a slightly higher level.If my memory serves me correctly,i believe a Lady called Seema Malhotra first suggested the idea when she was a candidate for the GLA but is she still involved? I think the Magistrates Court Sq was suggested as a venue before but was deemed impractical due to power and fresh water issues.Is there a Farmers Market Committee these days? I know MattHarmer does a lot of work for it but is he on his own i wonder?

Paul Fisher ● 7276d

Conal: Yes we wish the Farmers Market well in its "relaunch?" on 4th June..with additional stalls ..and weekly happenings.There have been many previous messages/threads on this subject...containing comments about location, prices, recommendations of what to buy,feedback,expansion ideas,pricing opinions etc etc.I'm not sure if there is an Organising Committee or where they can be contacted.  Is it an Area Committee matter? or a Labour Party only matter?  We don't get much interaction with the Organisers on this Forum...so your observations may be like playing table tennis against a blanket! Get it?

Jim Lawes ● 7276d