Thursday, December 10, 2009

Farmers market in Tonbridge pleeeeease!...

I took a step back in time this morning and went along to the Shipbourne (pronounced Shibburn for you out of towners!) Farmers Market bright and breazy just as the church clock began to chime nine o'clock. It's more popular than ever as more and more crafty type stalls start to appear alongside the fruit and veg, game, fish, cheese, mushroom, jams and pickles, honey and bread and cake stalls. I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it: Why oh why oh why can Tonbridge not have a WEEKLY farmers market, selling local produce just like Shipbourne. It could be around the church or around the Castle lawn, anywhere except the excuse of a Christmas market that was held along River Walk the other Saturday. Missed it? I'm, not at all suprised! Some one have a word....

5 comments:

Matt Harvey said...

Hello TB,

the Shipbourne market is great, but the Saturday market by the station also has some good stalls. There's fruit and veg, and the meat van and a new stall selling artisan bread, cakes and soup. There's lots of good stuff without being too 'foodie'.

That said, a farmers market in the castle grounds would be a real draw for visitors and you'd think stall holders would make more in a big town like Tonbridge than places like Shipbourne. Perhaps we could have two seperate Saturday markets, food and everything else? Could the WI market be tempted to open on a weekend?

steve the chilli man said...

Why not check out West Malling Farmers Market. Its one of the busiest in Kent with over forty stalls. It’s on the forth Sunday of each month except this month when it’s on Sunday 20th. It’s in the High Street which is closed to traffic and runs from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. It really is worth a visit as it is the leading market in Tonbridge and Malling. Or you can check out the web site www.westmallingfarmersmarket.co.uk

Tonbridge blogger said...

Stevethechilliman: I'm sure you're right that the West Malling one is pretty good. But the point is I've already forgotten when it is and anyway can't be bothered to put the date in my diary and then drive the ten miles over there and back. With the Shipbourne one all I have to do is remember it's every Thursday morning. I'd suggest every Friday morning in Tonbridge would be a good idea. Then you can get all your lovely fresh local produce for the weekend, every week. If it's once a month it will only ever be a novelty....

Anonymous said...

New to Tonridge
(Steve the Chilli man has started)
Tonbridge Farmers Market

2nd Sunday of every month.
9.30am – 1.30pm
Sovereign Way Car Park, Tonbridge, TN9 1RG
Over 50 stalls
Fresh Local Produce
Hot Local Food
Demonstration Kitchen
The Market Eatery
Local Craft Stalls
Contact steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk
Steve 07876 685853
www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

steve the chilli man said...

Tonbridge Farmers Market
2nd Sunday of every month.
9.30am – 1.30pm
Sovereign Way Car Park, Tonbridge, TN9 1RG
Over 50 stalls
Fresh Local Produce
Hot Local Food
Demonstration Kitchen
The Market Eatery
Local Craft Stalls
Contact steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk
Steve 07876 685853
www.tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk