Hi Folks , Sunday was the first market of 2019 and we were out there from 7.30am setting up the new stalls that Leon and his merry band built with the rain pouring down on us , but when we were finished the market area looked much more uniform and made it easier for the traders to set up !
At the top of the row on the left we had our new butcher studfarmmeats.com with the lovely Suzanne selling a selection of meat and charcuterie, she would be interested in orders for the next market on the 10th March. Next to Suzanne was my right hand who helps me with all the online booking forms etc that is Ruth from HunnypotCottage and she sold out of her delicious breads ! As did Natalie from the Cakeboutiquerugeley.co.uk She made some beautiful cakes and sold them by the slice and a selection of cup cakes and brownies, she has promised to be back next month
The other food sellers were Kneals chocolates , Ernie with his lovely creamy cheese and his cousins excellent scotch eggs of various flavours, young Matt with his local honey and last but not least Phil with his fantasticindian food!
ARTISAN CRAFTS
Having covered the foodie side of the market let us move onto the craft side of things , these guys spend a lot of time making the things that they sell which means that every item is unique , some of them have been with me from the start , like Jean of jmariejewelry.co.uk with her handmade necklaces , bracelets etc all made with glass beads from Ghana alongside Sarah with bitsfortheday.co.uk who is the latest addition to the market .
Ann O’Brien another stalwart , Flamingo Paperie, makes beautiful cards and stationary to cover all occasions so next month remember that Mothering Sunday is on the 31st and a home made card would be such a treat . Next to her was the Rosecupboard with Jane and her lampshades, cushions and home wares. Michaela and Jo are the mighty Mijo Makers with hand crafted notebooks , games and art boxes which again are great presents for all the year round. They will not be able to attend in March but will be back in April
Nigels pens from keenandson are all handcrafted from wood and materials from around the world and are truly unique , I have given them to my son and his fiancée for Christmas and they were delighted . The last hand made items was the jewelry made by Teena Maguire which look fantastic
Again one of the longest lasting members of my market is Alison with her Forever Living Products which are aloe vera-based drinks and bee-derived cosmetics, dietary supplements, and personal care products. Made for the health and well being of man and beast. I am sure that every one has heard of Aloe vera and realises that it is good for you but if you want to know more then come and talk to Alison and find out what is good for YOU!
Last but not least , and if I don’t mention him he will sulk , plus it is what we do , I have Leon the partner in the business who with his son Indie grows the grapes and makes the wine, which I might add has won us an award on the International Wine Challenge , and also Leon now makes a selection of fruit flavoured gins!
Written by Pete Viggers of Buzzard Valley