With Spring well and truly here and Summer just round the corner Farmers Markets have got to be one of the best places to buy seasonal and really fresh locally grown produce. Offering the opportunity to mingle and chat with friends and neighbours while at the same time supporting local producers Farmers Markets have become a popular meeting point for buyers and producers alike in the Maidstone area. Mostly held monthly here is just a taste of when and where you can go to find all the best seasonal ingredients for healthy and delicious summer eating! What’s more you’ll be supporting the Buy Local campaign sponsored by the Best of Maidstone! Equally if you’re looking for an outlet for your own home-produce look below for details of how to contact the organisers of the Farmers Markets so that you can sell local!
Headcorn Farmers' Market - This is held on the 2nd Saturday of the month between 9.30am and 12.30pm at the New Village Hall, Parsonage Meadow (access at the top of the High Street on the sharp bend). Contact Penny Kemp on 01622 890601 for further details and if you would like to sell your produce at the market.
Lenham Country Market takes place on the 2nd Sunday of each month and is held in the traditional setting of the Village Square in Lenham. For more details contact Market Manager Kevin Fitzsimons on 07977 567639 or email lenhamcountrymarket@gmail.com .
West Malling holds its Farmers’ Market on the 4th Sunday of the month from 9.30am-12.30pm in the High Street. The next one will be on June 26th. To find out more email info@westmallingfarmersmarket.co.uk,
Yalding Farmers’ Market has its Farmers’ Market on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm when the High Street is closed to vehicles so that shoppers can shop at their leisure without fear of oncoming cars. Go to http://www.yaldingfarmersmarket.co.uk for more details.
Bearsted Farmers’ Market opens its doors on the 4th Sunday of each month on Bearsted Green. Now in its second year it has proved to be a great success. The next market will be held on June 26th. For full details contact Helen Elstone on 01622 630165.
All of the above Farmers’ Markets play host to a wealth of stalls selling not only an abundance of locally produced ultra-fresh bread, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, home- made preserves, cheeses and speciality olive oils and condiments, but where you can also find plants grown by green-fingered locals as well as craft stalls run by creative artistes displaying their highly original creations. Refreshments are usually available so arrange to meet a friend or two for coffee and a slice of home- made cake! But remember to do your shopping first – the received wisdom might be never to shop on an empty stomach, but for Farmers’ Markets exceptions should be made!
If you know of a Farmers’ Market that you would like others to know about why not share it at http://www.thebestofmaidstone.co.uk
Happy shopping!
Until next time
India J