Morpeth Farmers’ Market celebrates its 10th Ann

Morpeth Farmers’ Market celebrates its 10^th Anniversary on Saturday 7^th November.

A party atmosphere is planned for the market - with competitions, buskers and a birthday cake provided by Country Markets (part of the Women’s Institute).

There will be cookery demonstrations throughout the morning by David Malone of Real Food Works using ingredients sold at the market.  This will be similar to a live version of ‘Ready Steady Cook’ – but mostly cooking by microwave!

Barnacre Alpacas– a huge attraction at the Morpeth Christmas Market last December –will also be back, bringing their live animals onto the market place.

Morpeth Farmers’ Market was started in November 1999 by Castle Morpeth Borough Council and inherited by Northumberland County Council in April this year.

Apart from a five month gap during the foot and mouth crisis, and missing one market on the day after the 2008 flood, it has been held every month.

It was initially held in the Town Hall, then after refurbishment of the Morpeth Market Place it was split between the Town Hall and the Market Place.  For the past year, it has been located entirely on the Market Place.

Market manager with Northumberland County Council’s neighbourhood services, Robert Hindhaugh, said:  “The farmers’ market is in the tradition of Morpeth as a market town, which is possibly why it is still flourishing after ten years.  It has helped rejuvenate the Wednesday Charter Market too – with a number of farmers’ market producers now attending the weekly market”

Nic Best is chair of Morpeth and Ponteland Markets Forum and NE England Farmers’ Markets and was involved in setting up the market as a new borough council back in 1999.  He added:  “Morpeth is lucky in still having locally owned shops which have always sold local produce, but I think the farmers’ market has raised awareness and appreciation of local food with a wider public. Some of that new demand is now being met by farm shops and box schemes, but in Morpeth the market is still thriving.

“And a number of businesses – including Doddington Dairy Ice Cream and Northumberland Cheese Co – which started selling through farmers’ markets are now supplying the local shops, and in some instances supermarkets – so the wheel has come full circle in a sense.

“So, I am really glad that the shire unitary recognises the contribution of the farmers’ market to the local community and the local economy and is pledged to continue supporting it.”

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