Louise

Back in those innocent Pre-Covid days Nailsea Town Council contacted SFM asking if we would take on the running of their popular monthly farmers market.

Discussions began early in 2020 but then were immediately interrupted for a few months whilst the country went into lockdown. Then we all learned how to hold ‘Zoom’ discussions and tentative plans began again to be made!

It was however a new Market landscape to navigate with the many changes which have taken place. There are  now new H&S restrictions to contend with  we have a brand new market venue in the High Street which needed a road closure, market licences needed to be applied for and numerous risk assessments completed and of course all with social distancing in mind!

The initial rather optimistic September launch date came and went but finally we can announce the launch on Saturday 17^th October 9am-1pm in the High Street and we promise it will be worth the wait!

There will be an abundance of fresh produce from the Barley wood Kitchen Garden, plus highly nutritious micro salads from Portishead based ‘Leafy Greens’. Cheeses, meats, breads, fish, preserves, ciders & beers will all be featured aswell as more unusual treats Somerset treats.

Everything will initially be taking place in the High Street including  craft traders  who will join the food producers. A community stall each month will be allocated free of charge to a local community group and October sees The British Legion coming along to promote their ‘In Bloom’ poppy event in the lead up to Remembrance Day

To receive a full list of who will be attending each month customers are invited to  sign up for a monthly e-newsletter which they will receive the week of the market to plan their shopping list by visiting www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk. Traders will also feature on the Producers directory of the web-site so you can find out more about them.

Somerset Farmers Markets also has a popular Facebook and Instagram platforms so you can follow more market news and updates.

We look forward to seeing you on the 17^th October and hope it is the start of something rather wonderful for Nailsea High Street!

The time has come for us to re-open our markets and return to local communities.This will enable us to support local farmers and producers,provide a vital service to customers and aid the local community.From Saturday 4th July some traders will return to Axbridge & Midsomer Norton Farmers markets,providing they are able to meet the government’s guidelines to protect their workers and customers.SFM is working closely with producers to provide advice and support that helps them operate safely.We need traders and the public to continue to support the government’s advice to help keep the community safe when visiting our markets.

SFM responsibilities include:

Each of our venues will have a new layout which allows for social distancing between traders.Spaces between canopies will be blocked off with barriers/cones/roped off and we will define the number of customers that can be at the market whilst following social distancing and limit access to a safe number. We will provide space for queues to form at stalls with safe distancing & customers will be encouraged to shop in a one-way system and queue safely at busy stalls. We will have limited entry/exit points at each market which will be supervised by a dedicated person & customers will be encouraged to use hand-sanitiser which will be made available on entry. Plus our canopy poles will be sanitised with anti-viral disinfectant before traders set up. There will be clear signage on social distancing and hygiene displayed to people on arrival.Customers will be encouraged to shop alone where possible.Customers accompanied by children will be reminded they are responsible for supervising them at all times and should also follow social distancing guidelines.  We will provide written or spoken communication of the latest guidelines to all workers at the market.

Trader responsibilities will include:

Reading and following the Governments latest guidance for food businesses. https://www.gov.uk/goverment/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-food-businesses/guidance-for-food-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

Submit a risk assessment and insurance documents before trading with SFM. Increase the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning and wear disposable gloves to limit contact where possible.We recommend traders wear face coverings.Remind customers of the need to social distance and to queue safely and to keep to the one way system.    All food must be served behind a perspex sneeze guard or is covered or pre-packaged.No tasters offered or touching of food allowed.Any street food must be sold as takeaway.  We encourage traders to offer contactless payment as an option however card machines should be cleaned regularly with anti-bacterial wipes/spray. Traders should also consider the option for pre-ordering and pre-paying of goods to collect at the market.

Customer responsibilites include:

Maintaining social distancing or if you cannot social distance wear a face covering.Follow the new market  instructions ( as above)Do not visit the market if you feel unwell,have a high temperature,a continuous cough or a loss to your sense of taste or smell.