One of the region’s longest-running farmers’ markets is marking a milestone birthday this month with a special celebratory event including an opera-singing butcher, fizz and cake.
Beaconsfield Farmers’ Market will commemorate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, March 26, and organisers are encouraging locals to come join the celebrations and enjoy a showcase of fresh produce and artisan goods on display from dozens of traders.
They plan to celebrate in style with councillor Alastair Pike, Mayor of Beaconsfield, cutting a specially commissioned lemon and elderflower cake and a glass of Bucks Fizz on offer to all visitors. There will also be samples and tasters available as well as some pop-up competitions and offers.
Town crier Dick Smith will officially welcome everyone at 10.30am and guests will include dignitaries from Hall Barn Estates who own the land where the market is held. Back for the first time in two years will be the children’s petting farm Appreciating Animals with a menagerie of goats, lambs, rabbits, chicks and geese.
Beaconsfield Farmers’ Market is a well established market running on the fourth Saturday of every month. It is part of the Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative with around 25 regular stalls attending plus seasonal and guest stalls.
Over the past 20 years, the type of stalls have become increasingly more diverse.
As well as fruit and vegetables from the Styan Family Produce stall, cheese from The Marlow Cheese Co, and brownies from the Maplewood Bakery, there are also seasonal plants and flowers on sale. But you can also find Arancini di Riso (Sicilian Rice Balls) from the Fabulous Italian’s tall; Beef, Chorizo & Cheese Empanadas from Daise’ Kitchen, who specialise in Brazilian and Portuguese products; and delicious handmade vegetarian pies from the Mediterranean Pie Company.
Expect a long wait at Mr Grumps Charcuterie & Pastries. The ex-chef has a fiercely loyal following as evidenced by the long queues. Get there early if you want to try his delicious Scotch eggs, venison sausage rolls, chicken pork pies, pates, vegetarian and meat flans, or Calabrian style Nduja, a spicy, spreadable pork sausage meat.
Artisan craft is also showcased at the market with the independent Sunningdale Candle Co displaying 100 per cent natural candles, melts and diffusers made with the finest essential oils and Tine and Floyd who creates beautiful and colourful hand-dyed & spun yarns.
Customers Desmond and Helier Murphy, who have been regulars for 20 years, said: “We never miss a market if we can. We always make a beeline for the fish and vegetable stall, and game when in season. It is the best farmer’s market in the area.”
Sandra King, of Wooburn Green, likes to visit with her cockapoo Molly, and said: “I like the fact that everything is locally produced and that everyone is friendly and happy to chat. Over the years I’ve built up a friendship with some traders and it’s great to see them every month. I don’t think it’s changed much over 20 years”.
The market opens this month from 9am and will remain open an extra 30 minutes, until 1pm.
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