Burlescombe produce market "overwhelmed" by optimism and support

The new monthly produce market got underway at Burlescombe and Westleigh Community Hall on Sunday, January 26

Traders at the first-ever Burlescombe produce market have been overwhelmed by the optimism and support for it.

The new monthly produce market got underway at Burlescombe and Westleigh Community Hall on Sunday, January 26. It will be held on the fourth Saturday of every month between 10:00 am and noon.

Jacky Taylor from the market said: “With a community hall packed with stallholders, the first market was an unqualified success for all concerned, with some stalls having to send out for extra supplies.

“Shoppers were able to buy organic meat and poultry, free-range eggs, raw milk, fruit and veg boxes, seasonal plants, cakes, patisserie, jams and preserves, bread, a range of chilli-based goods, goat products and then enjoy a breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, cake and hot drinks from the kitchen.

“One lucky shopper also won the ingredients for their Sunday roast. 

“The market was such a success that every one of the stallholders has confirmed that they will regularly be returning.

Emily Pearson added: “The market aims to offer local producers an outlet to local people.

“So many rural villages like us are losing amenities such as shops and pubs that I wanted to find a way to support local friends and neighbours in their businesses and also to keep all the different groups in my community connected.

“It was a bonus that our first market fell in Support Your Village Hall Week.”