Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market has stood the test of time and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Editor Stuart Laundy reports.
CAKE-baker Alison Sayer well remembers the first farmers’ market in Barnard Castle.
“It was December 1 and it was snowing heavens high – there was six inches of snow on the ground,” she says.
“We’re up in Lunedale and we had to wait for the plough to come and get us out, but after all that, it was a very successful first market.”
That was in 1999 and 25-years later Alison is still to be found each month on her stall.
“It’s the sales of the cakes that keeps us going – and it’s nice to have the banter with our lovely customers. We have some really faithful customers,” she adds.
“I don’t think we thought we’d still be here after 25 years – our bank manager was quite convinced that farmers’ markets would only last a couple of months and then die a death.”
Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is not only still here after 25 years but is thriving, according to market manager Andrew Harvey, who combines the role with selling his hugely popular range of Scotch eggs.
“The market is a big part of the town. There are a lot of local traders, a great variety and we remain true to the farmers’ market values where everything comes from within 50 miles,” he says.
“We are a trader led market – we are all traders so we are invested in the success of the market.”
Andrew sells his eggs at various markets around the region but admits to having a soft spot for Barnard Castle.
“This one is always one of my favourites – it is the very first one I traded at.”
He suggests that farmers’ markets are just as popular with customers in 2024 as they were when Barnard Castle’s was launched a quarter of a century ago.
“You still see new markets popping up – look that the one that’s just started at Middleton-in-Teesdale.
“I think people don’t mind spending the money to get a good product.
“They know they are getting quality and they can speak to the person who made it.”
Of course, Barnard Castle is now home to an award winning farmers’ market.
Earlier this year it was named Farmers’ Market of the Year by the Farm Retail Association having previously twice made it to the final shortlist.
Barney pipped Abbey Leys, in Cheshire, and Marylebone, in London, to the title.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.
The search to recruit a grocer or vegetable grower to replace Bluebell Organics has so far proved fruitless.
The difficulty is finding someone who grows 80 per cent of what they sell.
But that was put to one side as traders celebrated 25 years of success with a proclamation from town crier Ian Kirkbride, a cake specially baked by Alison and songs from community choir No Added Sugar.
The market is held on the first Saturday of the month and will be back on the cobbles on September 7.
