Page 7 - Thrapston Life October 2023

We make some exceptions like for fresh fish (it comes from Grimsby), and some products from our cheesemonger are from further afield (but all British). In these cases we look outside our area because we haven’t been able to find any stall closer to home which is available to attend.
How do you choose the suppliers? We
do a lot of research into other markets, keep
up with an organisation called ‘Made In Northamptonshire’ and visit farm shops to
see what is out there. We approach lots of producers and give them an opportunity to try the market for free first time to give us a go.
It isn’t easy finding stalls which are available
– small businesses and farms are run by small teams, so availability is tight. Some have
started with us and grown to be so big they go national, win awards and stock their products in supermarkets!
Any challenging moments? Early mornings in winter aren’t much fun! It’s not always easy to keep everyone happy – stallholders, shoppers
and shopkeepers. We work hard to offer a great selection of stalls without them impacting
the existing shops here, or each other. It’s a balancing act!
Most unusual request you’ve had? We sometimes get calls asking whether we sell live animals like guinea pigs, rabbits and sheep....
What makes the Farmers’ Market so special?
We are known amongst the traders here and further afield for having a really friendly market to be a part of. And our shoppers really like the good range of stalls on offer.
Who makes you laugh? Lindsey – she is sunshine on a rainy day, always positive and is loved by our stallholders!
Proudest moment? Our first market – the atmosphere was electric. It was so well received, so well attended and the nerves were worth it!
Any future ambitions? We’d love to reach our 10 year anniversary in September 2024 and do something for the community to celebrate....
Email: thrapstonfarmersmarket@email.com
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