Shoppers declare Elham market is the best

 Elham Farmers’ Market has been declared “the best market locally” by its shoppers and will now become a permanent fixture in Elham’s calendar.

Customers who took part in a recent market research gave an unconditional thumbs up to the market held on the second and fourth Sunday each month on the Triangle opposite Elham Primary School.

Elham Farmers’ Market Manager, Anne Leva, said: “We carried out the market research to find out if our customers wanted the market to continue after the pilot phase ends at the end of September. Of those questioned, 75% said they would attend in winter and everyone, without fail, was extremely positive about the market. Customers felt that the available produce, organisation and signage were exceptional and really enjoyed the market’s friendly atmosphere. This leaves us in no doubt that this market has a future.”

The traders were also questioned and confirmed these views. They are now looking forward to the lead up to Christmas and the expanded range of goods they will offer their customers.

Since opening on 15 June this year, the market regularly attracts up to 200 shoppers in the two hours from 11am to 1pm, and up to 18 local traders selling everything from game to meat, fish, vegetables, chocolates, goats cheese, cakes and chutneys. Everything on sale is locally produced.  

All the traders are listed on the Producers page, where shoppers can also find lists of food in season and seasonal recipes from local producers. Future market dates are: Sundays 14 and 28 September, 12 and 26 October, 9 and 23 November, 14 and 21 December, 11 and 25 January, 8 and 22 February, from 11am to 1pm.