News

We hope you have had a safe and well fed festive period! Everyone is looking forward to the light at the end of the Covid tunnel but we are not quite there yet!

With the new lockdown in place our markets are allowed to take place as they are deemed safe, outdoor, essential food shopping and SFM and our traders have strict Covid measures in place.

We do have slightly smaller or reduced number of markets in January as some farmers/food producers take an extended market break and so each year Axbridge & MSN  kick off in February. This year we have the combined issue of some traders sheilding or social isolating.

This Saturday Keynsham will take place with 14 stalls and a great selection of food producers.

However the Cheese & Grain Market will delay until February as numbers were too low to run the market so we will return on Feb 13th at full strength and hopefully with many vulnerable customers & farmers having recieved their vaccinations!

We will update the web-site & social media and our newsletters with any other changes in January.

During these unusual times Somerset Farmers’ Markets plan to continue to bring you the very best food and drink, courtesy of the dedicated local farmers and producers of our County. With the Government’s new Stay at Home Order in place from Thursday 5th November, we can continue to operate as food is classified as essential. Earlier this year, we communicated our responsibilities and expectations to our customers; these set out how we are abiding by the Government’s Covid Secure guidelines in order to make our markets safe places to visit.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of these responsibilities and expectations and request your continued cooperation.

SFM responsibilities include:

Each of our venues will have a new layout which allows for 2 metres social distancing between traders.

Spaces between canopies will be blocked off with barriers/cones/roped off.

We will define the number of customers that can be at the market whilst following 2m 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.

Our canopy poles will be sanitised with anti-viral disinfectant before traders set up.

Clear signage on social distancing and hygiene will be 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 follow social distancing guidelines.

We will provide written or spoken communication of the latest guidelines to all workers at the market.

 

Trader Responsibilities include:

You must read the Governments latest guidance for food businesses https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-food-businesses/guidance-for-food-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

Submit a risk assessment and insurance documents 7 days before trading with SFM

Increase the frequency of handwashing / hand sanitising and surface cleaning and wear disposable gloves to limit contact where possible

We recommended traders wear face coverings.

Remind customers of the need to social distance and where 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.

Encourage customers to avoid touching products whilst browsing

Any Street food must be sold as takeaway.

We encourage traders to offer contactless payment as an option

Card machines should be cleaned regularly with anti-bacterial wipe/spray.

Considering the option for pre-ordering and pre-paying of goods to collect at the market could also be an option.

 

Customer Responsibilities include:

Stay 2 metres away from other people where possible

If you cannot social distance a face covering is recommended

Wash your hands on a regular basis or use hand sanitiser when facilities are not available

Do not visit the market if you feel unwell, have a high temperature, a continuous cough or a loss to your sense of taste and smell.

 

Thank you for your support and cooperation. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us; info@somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

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.

 

 

We are not holding our usual monthly markets until it is deemed safe to do so. However many of our farmers and food producers are still producing food and can get it to you via delivery schemes ,click and collect from their premises or farm shops or have online shops. Please support our local food producers during these challenging times.

Fruit and vegetables

Barleywood Walled Garden ,Wrington. They provide a local veg box scheme please visit their web-site for information www.barleywoodkitchengarden.co.uk

Bower Hinton Farm– Vegetables are available on their farm at The Old Dairy Café at Bower Hinton near Martock which is now serving as a local food shop .Follow the facebook page for more information @theolddairycafe

North Perrot Fruit Farm– They have a farm shop with a range of produce including their apples ,pears and fruit juices contact 01460 77090 for information or follow on Facebook for updates @farmshop

VP Collins– our veg growers from the Cheese & Grain market have a farm shop over in Bromham ,Wiltshire visit www.vpfarmshop.co.uk

Root Connections Stratton on the Fosse– They have started an organic veg box scheme contact 07904398639 or www.rootconnections.co.uk for more information. Also available via www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

Meat & Poultry

Beechridge Farm– free range poultry eggs & lamb order on their website for home delivery www.beechridgefarm.co.uk Or contact 07921 267372

Brown cow Organics– Please visit www.browncoworganics.co.uk for home delivery options around the Shepton Mallet area.

Chewton Farm– For the Keynsham area phone Lesley to arrange collection of beef ,lamb or pork 07765091443 or email Lesley.bowes55@gmail.com

Ellises Farm– charcuterie & pork via an on line shop www.ellisesfarm.co.uk

Mikes Pork– they will deliver to the Burnham/Highbridge/Weston/Bridgwater area .Phone 07742427967 or visit their Facebook page to order @mikespork1

Loves Lane Organic & Biodynamic Farm– Will deliver to the Frome/Midsomer Norton & Radstock areas phone 09760488633

The Story Pig– are our new Tamworth Pork producers based near Sherborne and they will deliver to order visit www.thestorypig.co.uk or phone 07724885353

Real Pork – deliveries available via www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

Somerset charcuterie– They have an online shop www.somersetcharcuterie.com Or phone 07866636463 also available as part of www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

West Country WaterBuffalo– Based outside of Yeovil they have a farm shop which remains open to the public with a full range of produce including their own meat, milk ,mozzarella & ice-cream www.westcountrywaterbuffalo.com

Wookey Goat Farm– They have a small farm shop for their meat, milk, cheese & other local produce plus local delivery for more details visit www.wookeyfarm.com

Fish

Sea Foods Fishmongers– their shop on Burnham High Street remains open & follow their Facebook page for delivery details @seafoodsBurnhamonSea

Fishmanwithadifference– contact Steve to find out availability of fish 07831785812 or email fishmanwithadifference@hotmail.co.uk

Mere Fish Farm –Are doing deliveries to the Frome area on Fridays –get your orders in via www.merefishfarm.co.uk

Cheese Dairy & Eggs

Bath Soft Cheese– their farm shop at Helston out side of Keynsham is still open contact 01225 436332 or visit www.parkfarm.co.uk for more information or to shop on line.

Goulds Farmhouse Cheddar– They continue to operate their farm shop and home deliveries visit www.gouldscheddar.co.uk

Frome Eggs– Available at the Tytherington Milk Station each morning from 7am or contact Lesley to reserve some 07922121846 or email Lesley.richardson1108@gmail.com

Somerset Cheese Company– Contact Phil & Anita on 01749 860237 to order and arrange to pick up cheese from the dairy or for delivery details visit www.somersetcheese.co.uk

Times Past Cheese Dairy– 07748635982 visit www.timespastcheesedairy.webs.com for their on line shop or via www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

Wootton Organic Dairy– Their cheese is available via Somerset Local Food Direct or phone 01749 890248 for more info.

Bread & other Baked Goods (sweet & savoury)

Blueridge Farm– Jane continues to make scotch eggs & meat pies to order ( beef,lamb & pork) email orders to blueridgefarm@icloud.com

Catacolours– Bristol based Chilean Savoury food contact cata50@hotmail.com for more information

Pistrina Sourdough Bread– will deliver to the Midsomer Norton /Keynsham areas to place an order visit www.pistrina.shop or call Charlie on 07542457965

Liams Cakes– Provide Frome based deliveries contact 07891360583 or facebook @liamscakes239

Nutts Scotch Eggs– scotch eggs & classic meals to your door contact 01934 811511 or facebook page @nuttsfor .Also via the new delivery scheme www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

Oven to You– sweet tarts & quiches have a new on line shop for the Bath area www.oventoyoushop.co.uk

Taylors of Bruton– are keeping village shops stocked with bread such as the Mells village shop visit the web-site www.taylorsofbruton.co.uk to see all stockists. Also via Somerset Local Food Direct.

Worthy Food- Have just developed an on-line shop for cheese scones, homity pies, quiches etc & Worthy farm truckles of cheese www.worthyfood.co.uk or phone 07802845071

H’eggs Pasta Company– Bath based deliveries and shop contact 07955818893 or visit their facebook page @theheggscompany

Honey & Preserves & speciality

Fussels Fine Foods-Have an on-line shop www.fusselsfinefoods.co.uk and also can be collected from the farm by arrangement 01373 831286 also stocked in Mole Valley ,Frome Wholefoods & Denude Zero waste shop

Timmys Chillies– jellies & marmalades with a kick available via an on line shop www.timmyschillies.com

Wainwrights Bee Farm– to get stocked up with honey Dean is doing local deliveries please put in an order via their new web-site www.thehoneystash.co.uk

Drinks
Bradleys Juices– for a wide range of apple and fruit juices contact miles@bradleysjuices.co.uk or via www.somersetfoodonline.co.uk

Hullabaloos– lemonades visit their online shop www.hullabaloos.rocks

Henny & Joes Chai Syrup– order via their on line shop www.hennyandjoes.co.uk

Honey Pot Farm– for cider,cordials and other produce visit www.honeypotfarm.org

Herby4- visit their on line shop for apple juices & Tofu www.herby4.co.uk

Marshwood Vale Cider -(plus Mead and Gin ) now has an on line shop www.dorsetdrinkscompany.com

The Medieval Ale Company– an on line shop for traditional ale www.stone-angel.com

The Incredible Brewing Company– they have set up an online delivery scheme for information visit www.incrediblebrewingcompany.com

Wraxall Vineyard– an online shop for award winning wine www.wraxallvineyard.co.uk

We have taken the very difficult but necessary decision to suspend our Farmers’ Markets with immediate effect. It is challenging to achieve the necessary social distancing measures at our markets. It’s important to us to protect both our customers and traders.

We understand many of our customers will be greatly disappointed. Many of our food and drink producers are adapting their businesses and hopefully, by contacting them directly, you will find a way to continue to support them. You will find their details on our website; www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

We hope by taking this action we will be helping everyone get through this as quickly and as safely as possible. We look forward to seeing you at our markets again very soon.

Stay safe,

The Somerset Farmers’ Markets Team