SHOPPERS turned out in force to help traders on Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market celebrate recognition in a national awards scheme.
The monthly mart was named Farmers’ Market of the Year 2024 by the Farm Retail Association, beating fellow finalists Abbey Leys, in Cheshire, and Marylebone, in London, to the title.
Market officials say the award is already having a positive impact with additional interest from visitors and prospective traders.
The coveted trophy was on display last Saturday for the first market since the win.
Andrew Robson, market manager, said: “We’ve had lots of comments on social media since we won.
“It’s also interesting since the awards ceremony we’ve had quite a lot of interest from new traders wanting to be involved. At the ceremony it was also good to speak to people from other markets and they have said they will be coming up for a visit.
“We are going to have a banner made up with a redrawn logo incorporating the title.”
Although new traders have been in contact, Mr Robson says the market is still on the hunt for a vegetable supplier.
Since the retirement of Bluebell Organics last year, the market has been without a regular vegetable stall.
He added: “Although we have new traders, we would love a veg supplier.
“We are even thinking of a group of allotment holders if they could commit to two to three months a year. We can be as flexible as they can be.”
Success in the Farm Retail Awards came at the third time of asking for the Barney market.
The win, said chairwoman Ann Bell, “is the icing on the cake”.
Ms Bell added: “It has been lovely to win, especially as we’re celebrating our 25th birthday this year.
“Most of the markets that entered are run by management companies and we are a bit of an odd ball.
“Considering the award has previously gone south it is really nice that it has come north. At the awards we were made so welcome. We are definitely going to make the most of the win.
“We also found out that there is a world farmers’ market association and we have been invited to get in touch.
“We’re considering joining, but it’s a quite a trip to their headquarters in Rome.”
Former market manager Carol Parker, who stepped down from the role earlier this year, said: “I’m overjoyed that they finally did it.”
