Forum Topic

So: the Farmers' Market is closing till the New Year!!

You may have just seen the news on the front page of this website.It's sad that such a venture should struggle in ones local town.  Is it's temporary closure a sad reflection on the town or its inhabitants?Many Forum posters certainly gave it a plug and encouragement..but perhaps to no avail. We saw plenty of Matt each Market Day doing the chores...but who were the so-called organisers? Did they engage in any exchange of views on this Forum?""Brentford's farmers market is to take a break before re-launching in the new year""  we are told..and Matt plans to hold an open meeting sometime in the New Year too.We must thank Matt, those organisers, and the traders who turned up..for giving us a memorable experience..on Saturday's in that car park.  Let's hope the memories can be rekindled one day!You may have views on the matter!!

Jim Lawes ● 7105d6 Comments

Thank you Jim, I think your pictures say it all.  Brentford is never likely to become the shopping hub of the universe but at least in the Half Acre as you say, there are benches and coffee shops, also passing traffic from the High Street.  If there was a market in situ it may tempt passers by to stop and have a look. Ample parking in the Butts etc.  Lets hope the stallholders can be tempted back to a slightly more central venue.

Bernadette Paul ● 7102d

Over many months...Bernadette has made valuable contributions to this Forum about the Farmers Market...and I think we ought to take heed of her wisdom.  A High Street location must surely be preferred to the current site. Today, I wandered into the area around the Magistrates Court and was surprised at the amount of space there:That's the area in front of La Rossetta restaurant. Here is the area in front of the Court.Here are some other views:Even that side Road could be used..could it not..a little cul-de-sac.In the surrounding area are many places shops,pubs and refreshment places of interest..and even some benches to sit  and chatter about the future of Brentford on!

Jim Lawes ● 7102d

Thanks Matt for clarifying about 17th. Sorry to hear about this temporary closure - it's a real shame - but hopefully the market can re-launch successfully in the New Year and perhaps at a more prominent location.I would certainly be happy to be involved in any future markets.

Catherine Woodman ● 7103d

Hi Catherine - sorry to say this but there won't be a Market on the 17th as a couple of regular suppliers had difficulties attending it seemed to be the best thing to do. I know that the previous Craft Market was popular but it would have been mostly craft and very little food. I'm going to call everyone this asfternoon who came last time; apologies for not getting to you already.Let's meet in the New Year to talk about bringing the market back.

Matt Harmer ● 7104d

Matt,What's happening on 17th December? I thought there was going to be another pre-Christmas Craft market held at the Farmers' Market similar to the one held on 12th November? I thought the one in November had been quite successful - ie. bringing in more people to the market - and there had been a lot of enthusiasm for another one this month - nearer Christmas?From the front page story it looks as if you're cancelling all Saturdays, including 17th, but please confirm asap as I had been looking forward to being there - as I'm sure were other stallholders and customers. It's a real shame there is not more support on a regular basis, but the location is rather out of the way and it would be great if it could be moved to a more prominent location on the High Street. However, wouldn't the bitterly cold weather at the end of November be one contributory factor for the poor turnout?    Many thanks,Catherine

Catherine Woodman ● 7104d

I think practically everything that can be said has been.  Since the very first market last year where there was a really good turn out of organisers and supporters but sadly not too many stalls.  Unfortunately the stallholders fell away as did the customers.  I don't think it was just the publicity or the prices or the venue it was a combination of all 3. I really hope it starts up again soon and that it will be well supported but hopefully in a better position more central to the High Street and more visible to passers by.

Bernadette Paul ● 7105d