Forum Topic

Farmers Market 7th October

Good luck to Matt Harmer and all the other organisers for the Farmers Market being relaunched this Saturday.I know a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes for this and it certainly deserves another chance.

Paul Fisher ● 6816d48 Comments

Thanks Matt. I'm afraid I can't do this coming Saturday (9th) as I'm at a Christmas Fair elsewhere, but can certainly be there on 16th. Please email me to confirm details:info@greentradingcompany.co.ukLooking forward to being there. Thanks.

Catherine Woodman ● 6752d

I don't see why not, Catherine - come down on Saturday. We'll be doing the market until Christmas when we'll decide if it's worth continuing - higher insurance and other payments will kick in soon after that. The lack of stalls is a real problem with so many other markets in London but we are still trying.In terms of veg, I am wary of getting a veg stall now that we have a greengrocer in the High Street - it seems a little unfair to take away some of his trade. Of course, he's not a farmer, but a new business needs all the help it can get.I continue to call the apple juice people, the Moroccans etc etc, so we will see what happens. In the meantime, thank you to everybody who comes down on Saturdays.

Matt Harmer ● 6753d

I'd be happy to have my stand at the Farmers' Market again if numbers are a bit low and you need more trader support. I thought it was back to only food and produce, but if there is the possibility of being there as a non-food trader, I would be happy to support. Please let me know if you would like us there. Catherine the green trading companywww.greentradingcompany.co.uk

Catherine Woodman ● 6753d

BRENTFORD FLORIST Will be at market this weekend, sorry I was unable to attend over the last few weeks,I shall have lots of glitter twigs /wreaths shaker style christmas decorbits + bobs from the shop, candles, + fresh flowers, tropical bouquets,please let me know if you are looking for anything specifictowards christmas, I have loads of stock from shop, ribbons, candles, even to order fresh christmas table decorations/ wreaths / bouquets to order 0208-569-9332

Tracy Buckley ● 6759d

Thanks again Nigel.Let's wish Harmony Cakes the very best for success. Doesn't she look smart and just the part for running her young business. I was tied up this weekend..but I will make a point of seeing her soon..but don't tell my doctor!!By contrast the vegetable chap the other week was dressed as though he was flogging car parts in Petticoat Lane..rather than fine foods to the citizens of Brentford. Demand a bit of style Mr Matt!!

Jim Lawes ● 6768d

Even the stallholders are boycotting. Minimum standards - raise your game!

Colin Murphy ● 6768d

No Christmas thoughts.Still threadbare, especially with the fishmonger off now on holiday and still no fruit and veg stand.Still, we do have one newcomer who’s enthusiastic about marketing her homemade cakes. I can vouch for the tastiness of the almond biscuits. I’ve given her the recipe for the famous Branford Roll, and she’s promised to see whether she can bake some for next week. I’ve been meaning to try it myself for over a year now, but haven’t got around to it, so thought someone should have a go.

Nigel Moore ● 6768d

Great pictures and Report Nigel..and you're getting us all excited again with your positive impressions.That bread display looks handsome and I could do with some this minute! Will you believe it that I was on my way to the Market at noon..but got sidetracked (with camera) en route at the back of Gillettes (they closed yesterday)..then I lingered exploring the back of Sky TV..then meandered into Transport Avenue and surveyed some of it's mystery occupants..and by the time I'd finished the market was closed!!I must go to bed earlier..to get up earlier../ to save the Market!! Lol.I do like the idea of having the stalls forward towards the High Street pavement..and also your recommendation that other stalls including Charity ones should fill the gaps.There were a couple of Greeting Cards stalls last which were both excellent. I wonder if they could be enticed back. One couple came from a Church Club in Teddington  and the other was a Brentford girl living off Green Dragon Lane..and they all produced really attractive home made cards. I finished up..after a car breakdown... at the busy Osterley Scouts Autumn sale where I met Sarah for the first time ever. It was a most enjoyable and treasured meet.Your good comments Nigel will help the Market through its shaky start..and I hope to get along next week. Any thoughs of a Christmas tree and lights..and even some Christmas Carols!!

Jim Lawes ● 6776d

Mistake on the 2nd last post - wrong picture!This's the one I meant to insert:

Nigel Moore ● 6776d

Jim’s favourite is another staunch supporter hoping the market will continue, though whether he can carry on without Jim’s continued custom for his scotch eggs remains to be seen. Just think of the potential loss to the community resulting from all those late nights Jim!Both he and his sparring partner with the fish and funghi are looking to get fruit and veg suppliers here to make up for that critical deficiency. We won’t be seeing the fresh fish etc for a couple of months though – he’s off on holiday to see his daughter in New Zealand. Still, he’s definitely hoping the market will be still around on his return, and is prepared to give up Chiswick market for Brentford, and give all those customers directions to here.I’ve missed seeing our florist the last couple of weeks – you did let her know that those parking tickets were cancelled Matt?

Nigel Moore ● 6776d

The Hotdog stand now uses a noticeably quieter generator, which makes all the difference to the ambience. Now more to the front – a further improvement. Can’t help feeling that feeding hotdogs to cold dogs was wasteful, but amusing:Alongside was the bread stall in front again and doing good business. I nipped over once more just before pack-up time and got a two for one deal. They are doing so well they’re hoping this market will carry on.

Nigel Moore ● 6776d

Mid November and still good weather for the open market! Bit cool and breezy for me though. The stall-holders came prepared however.There may be “tat”, but it’s in support of good causes, and while the stallholders are thin on the ground for now, why not encourage those willing to support the market while filling in gaps?Meanwhile the Buffalo Farm produce still offers the exotic. It may be expensive, but you can’t buy this stuff at Somerfields.

Nigel Moore ● 6776d

So, it seeems that anyone with a blanket, some tat and an appealing smile can tip up at the "farmers' market"? The key to success in these ventures is quality. Al fresco pound shops will see prospective punters in absentia.

The Pseudometer ● 6782d

New craft offerings alongside the charity stall.

Nigel Moore ● 6783d

Customers happy as usual.

Nigel Moore ● 6783d

Loaves and fishes present –at least the multitude provided for.

Nigel Moore ● 6783d

Another beautiful day! Stalls diminishing but hopefully veg. will be back soon. Matt got the parking nonsense sorted with apologies and cancellations – shouldn’t happen again.

Nigel Moore ● 6783d

Here is a picture (by "Cowsfish") of the Market at West Ealing. Come on Brentford..stirr the porridge!!  ;0)

Jim Lawes ● 6791d

Well reported Ian.Picture by "Seeshells"

Jim Lawes ● 6791d

I also made it to the market and unforunately was unable to find much appealing to buy. I've been a regular at the weekly West Ealing farmer's market (also on Saturday) for the last 5 years - for me, it's major selling point is that you can do an entire week's shop there, making a trip to the supermarket unnecessary. With a wide selection of meat, fish and veg stalls all competing with each other, quality is pretty much guaranteed and I'm never disappointed. I'd love to support the Brentford market but this means picking over a poor selection of veg (if any!), a limited range of meat and STILL needing to go elsewhere to buy the rest - I haven't got the time. I fear this may be one reason the Brentford farmer's market isn't working - it's too near another well established and successful market?

Ian Douglas ● 6794d

Any comment from the organisers pictured below?

Jim Lawes ● 6795d

The parking ticket man plagued all 3 of the stall holders with vehicles. He came back to the flower stall 3 times, insisting that his boss told him they had no right to park there. He was having a good laugh about I'm told (!)It did no good explaining that Matt could surely sort it out, whenever Matt was there he wasn't and vice-versa. What is strange is that he didn't put the flower stall's ticket on the vehicle, just shoved it in his pocket, so she doesn't know what gives there.As the fishmonger said, no one can afford to come if they have to face a £40 fine each time.What IS the situation here? The plan of the area's designated highways etc shows different classifications in the same square -Regardless, one would have thought that some inter-departmental co-operation in Hounslow should be able to sort this out, and quickly, otherwise we'll lose the lot.

Nigel Moore ● 6795d

I actually made it to the market this week and was very disappointed to note there were only about 4 stalls.  I did my usual and bought something from each.  The bread stall cost me £8.50 for some croissants and a foccacia loaf!  At the meat stall I bought a bacon hock (for twice the price of anywhere else) at the buffalo stall I risked some liver (that's in the freeer as I don't really fancy it but didn't fancy the cheese either and felt I should buy something).  The only stall I missed was the fish stall because I was terrified of the prices!  I appreciate that good food costs but I am not necessarily convinced that the goods on sale merit the prices asked.  That being said I hope it takes off and that more stallholders start pitching up.Also, I understand that the meat man was given a parking ticket on Saturday.  That is surely enough to discourage traders if that is to become the norm!

Bernadette Paul ● 6795d

Well done for reporting again Nigel and for those interesting pictures..and observations. And for thinking about my supply of scotch eggs! Will they ever arrive?How can you have a Farmers and Fine Food Market without a vegetable stall!  I appreciate it must be difficult for the organisers to get this community event established.It would be interesting to know how many people actually attended..and what sales figures were..or even thumbs up indicators.It's got to be profitable for the stalls,of course, and they must be encouraged with not too high a rent.  But an effort is really needed to save it from dying. Could not local Charity groups have some stalls for a short time..even if they sell jars of beetroot from their allotments?Here is Latvia (Riga) in May this year..post Soviet times..and there were some 50 stalls like this..but not all had Brentfordian sales assistants in attendance!! But notice the "fresh" look of the display.

Jim Lawes ● 6796d

One stall I haven’t covered before – she’s always tucked away around the corner, - but this lady is an enthusiast for at-home charity, raising money for local girl’s school and hoping to pay for naming a guide dog.Can you believe it costs £35,000 to breed a guide dog? And for some extraordinary reason, £5,000 to register a name!

Nigel Moore ● 6797d

The fishmonger/fungi stall showed up:A small selection only in these early days, he’s come with a marvellous array of stuff previously, so the more support shown the more likely we’ll have more to choose from:Some new mushroom varieties today, I’m trying his favourite orangey ones.

Nigel Moore ● 6797d

Tracy and her son were back again this morning:Sadly however the vegetable man was not – perhaps he read your comments Jim? The reason given for non-attendance was difficulty in obtaining fresh produce!

Nigel Moore ● 6797d

Grim wet start to the day, but it brightened up nicely. Stall-holders thin on the ground, apparently something’s on at Olympia which had seduced some away.Was good to see the bread stall in front of the planter, - makes all the difference for visibility of the market:Always glad to see the buffalo farm produce, I especially like the smoked buffalo pastrami, and despite Jim’s disappointment, the cheeses:Jim’s favourite again, but no scotch eggs – I looked, thinking to get some for you knowing you’d be likely to sleep in again!

Nigel Moore ● 6797d

Sadly Jim, I have found the same deterioration in the quality of vegetables bought at Osterley Farm shop for the family casserole.  Leeks in particular and the bag of mixed veg’s for a stew, got me quite in a stew … …    :-(

Sarah Felstead ● 6797d

Aren't I a spoil-sport?  But I/we must be honest.Like others in the past, I have found myself buying things from stallhilders just to help their enthusuiasm for Brentford! And that was on the 7th.Yes the Scotch Egg and Meat Pie man's products are tops. I will return to Gladys selling her greeting cards and nik-knacks. The Austrian Sausage stall never fails to please.But the boiled beetroot..had to thrown away (old and past vinegering)..the spring onion were old too..soft and unpleasant and were tossed on the compost heap.  Then the cheddar cheese on the buffalo meat stall had to be binned too.So: Could others check out the quality too..and re-assure us that the dregs of the weeks trading are not being dumped in Brentford on a Saturday morning by the various stallholders?My Croatian domestic was appalled.

Jim Lawes ● 6798d

On again tomorrow! Between 10 and 2.

Nigel Moore ● 6798d

Thanks for those enjoyable dispatches from Brentford High Street this morning Nigel.It sounds as though things are picking up a bit..and the chatting with stallholders and other shoppers adds to Community well being...doesn't it?  Your pictures are great...and are much valued.

Jim Lawes ● 6804d

Kids were not only involved in setting up the stands, they were happy to share in the shoppingThe bakers sold out. The florist sold as much as she used to on the High St, and other stallholders seemed content with the day. But where are all the new inhabitants from the new housing?Anyway of spreading the word? Clare? Justin? Stephen?

Nigel Moore ● 6804d

Crowds picking up, but there were one or two comments about the noise of that generator. Something does need to be done about that. Nice if some music was being played instead!

Nigel Moore ● 6804d

Jim’s favourite lays out his wares:Tablecloths for the bread stand:Getting the hotdog cookers prepared:The general scene, just about ready for all of you to pop down and indulge:

Nigel Moore ● 6804d

Second Market day of this year today.Getting ready for the opening, a few shots of the traders setting up.Bringing in the fresh bread:Yet more bread while the fish & mushrooms chap prepares his stand:Hot dog man fuels up the generator:Cheese lady sets up:Our Brentford Florist, formerly of the High St, makes it a family affair:

Nigel Moore ● 6804d

I atteneded and bought some very nice pies and some excellent cheese which I had before watching BFC.Small, but seemed to be well attended at approx 1.00pm. The pie man seemed to be doing a good trade.

Neil Chippendale ● 6806d

"Hello, I'm looking for the Market""It's just along there on the right young lad..in Market Place...take plenty of farthings ..there're some bargains!"

Jim Lawes ● 6809d

Time was 10am to 2pm Bernadette, you were too early!Should be on again next week with more stallholders.

Nigel Moore ● 6809d

I drove past at about 9.45a.m. on Saturday ready & willing to stop and shop but sadly I could not see any stalls at all and wondered if I had the right Saturday.  I had to be elsewhere later on so could not get back to look or buy.  Is this now supposed to be a weekly event or monthly or was that a one off?  I really hope it takes off I was always a regular when it was at the health centre but always felt it was in the wrong place.

Bernadette Paul ● 6809d

Saturday 1pm Report from a famished Scotch Egg fan!“Excuse me I’m looking for the Farmers’Market”  “Yes, young man….it’s behind that van over there!”OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooYou are an early bird in the mornings Nigel..and I’m glad that you caught pictures of queues and quite a few customers at the beginning. The first trader I bumped into was the regular Austrian Sausage man and his wife (and new baby).  They’re a friendly couple and as you say they dispense wonderful smoked sausages (cheese flavoured are my favourite)..and I bought more for the weekend!  OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooThe Scotch Egg and Meat Pie man had a reduced sized stand..and do you know what?  ….:0(  yes I couldn’t believe it!!  So no scotch eggs this week!OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooThere seemed to be only 5 stalls there at 1pm ..the Egg Stall having left early.That was a good picture Nigel of a queue at the only vegetable stall..which proved that people did attend at some point. Then I arrived it was sparse, OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooGladys was there with her Charity stall..and  I bought some half dozen greeting cards “Handmade by Marlanne Gilbert of Brentford Middlesex”  I’m not into buffalo flavoured items and the cheese I bought at that stall seemed a bit stale and expensive  compared with my regular Davidstow!Spring onions and boiled beetroot were my purchases at the only vegetable stall.OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooThe location in Brentford’s central square seems ideal and the market is sure to develop well….let’s hope so!..with more stalls etc…Even a book stall would be an asset! The traders told me that they would return next week too..so that’s good.

Jim Lawes ● 6811d

Another old-timer, the buffalo farm produce stand, with smoked buffalo pastrami, steaks, cheeses and yoghurt:Hot-dog stall with double smoked sausages highly recommended:Now if they can only come up with a quiet cocooned generator the ambience will be greatly improved.

Nigel Moore ● 6811d

The Market Place lives again!The original charter was granted in 1306 and the market was held along the High Street. A few hundred years later and the overcrowding demanded more room, so the then charter holder purchased the orchard alongside the Three Pidgeons to create the space we have today.Old faces returned, excellent for traditional pickles and sauces:Even this early there were promising numbers:Free-range eggs alongside:The vegetable stall had a considerable queue:Choice of exotica seemed the biggest problem:

Nigel Moore ● 6811d

Jim Lawes ● 6811d

Today!  I must get a move on and dash out before all those scotch eggs get sold!Ciro (from La Rossetta) might be there..he in the front row with the cap...and no doubt you will recognise others in this front page picture.

Jim Lawes ● 6811d

I think this would be a fantastic idea ! Who could we talk to? Perhaps our local council representitives could actually do something!! Brentford is becoming more and more well known and Market place would be a great spot for a big xmas tree and some renewed xmas community spirit .

P Briggs ● 6812d

>""Where is it?""Colin,You come out of the Magpie and Crown Pub..and cross the road!!

Jim Lawes ● 6813d

Where is it?

The Pseudometer ● 6813d

Yes, best wishes for a successful kick off Matt...It would be a great place to have a Christmas Tree in mid December too!! Can that be possible?Looking forward to this Saturday am.

Jim Lawes ● 6813d