14 November 2006
MILFORD
FARMERS' MARKET WINS REGIONAL AWARD
The South West
Surrey Farmers’ Market at Milford has won the award for Best Farmers’
Market in the South East in the National Association of Farmers’ Markets
competition for 2007. The market was judged for the outstanding quality and
range of its produce, and the unique shopping experience it offers consumers
and families in Waverley. The judging process included a ‘mystery shopper‘
visit by one of the regional judges.
The market showcases
over 50 producers selling a huge range of goods, including meat, fish, dairy
produce, bread and cakes, preserves, beer and cider, fruit and vegetables,
seasonal herbs, crafts made from natural local materials, and more. Almost
all the goods are produced within 30 miles of Waverley, giving consumers an
excellent opportunity to shop locally and seasonally. Animals from Kidsrome
Mobile Farm are also regular visitors to the market, providing fun and excitement
for children. The next market will be held this Sunday, 19 November, at Secretts
in Chapel Lane, Milford from 10:30am.
Councillor Celia
Savage, portfolio holder for partnerships and the local economy, commented:
“This award is a truly fantastic achievement for the market. It’s
a great credit to the producers for the quality of their goods, and to the
excellent partnership between Secretts farm shop, the producers themselves
and Waverley Borough Council.”
“The market
was started by Waverley in 1999 to support the struggling agricultural sector
and the local economy and I’m thrilled that customers clearly enjoy
the experience of shopping like it used to be,” continued Cllr Savage.
John Emerson,
who is the chair of the producers’ committee, which jointly organises
the market with Secretts and Waverley, added “The producers are really
pleased to have the on-going support of Waverley and Secretts. Using farmers'
markets is an excellent and fun way for consumers to do their bit for the
environment by minimising their food miles and even cutting down on the amount
of packaging they receive with their food shopping. Just as importantly, they
can buy fresh and wholesome produce and have a tasty local lunch.”
Charles Secrett,
whose own business, Secretts, was chosen as the best UK producer by the Observer
magazine earlier this year said he was "thrilled by the news". He
continued, "Secretts has always been pleased to host the market and,
of course, make its own produce available there."
The market is
held on the third Sunday of every month at Secretts, Chapel Lane in Milford
from 10am to 1:30pm. It is regulated by the Soil Association and includes
both organic and non-organic produce. The sellers all rear, grow, make or
bake their goods.
For more information
on farmers’ markets in your area, visit www.waverley.gov.uk/farmersmarket
or www.farmersmarkets.net or call Iain Lynch on 01483 523203.
Notes for editors
1. Farmers' markets
are also held in:
Farnham on the
fourth Sunday of every month at Central Car Park, Victoria Road, Farnham from
10am to 2pm
Cranleigh on the first Friday of every month in Cranleigh Village Hall from
10am to 2pm.
In addition, there will be a farmers' market at the Christmas market in Haslemere
High Street from 10am to 4pm on 3 December.
2. The farmers' market at Milford also won the inaugural Best Farmers' Market
in the South East in 2001.
3. There are
over 500 farmers' markets nationwide. Milford was one of the first 30 markets
to be set up.
4. The market
contributes £0.75 million to the local economy each year.
5. During the
seven years the market at Milford has been running, £9,000 has been
raised for charity at the market. Donations are made to the Mayor's Charity
and the National Eczema Society.
For further information, please contact :
Juliet Hall or Julie Jackson
Tel: 01483 523344 / 523450 / 523204 Fax: 01483 523200
Email: communications@waverley.gov.uk
Communications Team: Waverley Borough Council - The Burys - Godalming - Surrey
- GU7 1HR
Web : http://www.waverley.gov.uk/communications
