Shop Better, Shop LocalSarah Hill Wheeler explains how to make the most of local farmers markets this Christmas
Few of
us find the crowds, checkout queues and tannoyed carols very uplifting.
Predictions of a national Brussels sprouts shortage have hardly added to the
festive cheer.
Meltdown in the supermarket aisles seems a distinct
possibility.
Fortunately, there is an alternative. Canny Swindon shoppers
and foodies are making the most of local farmers’ markets and produce sales. In the run-up to Christmas, there will be markets
in Swindon, Wanborough, Malmsbury and Wootton Bassett.
Farmers’ markets are not only good for the local economy;
they also offer consumers something a little different. True, you can get free-range
turkey in Sainsbury’s, but it’s not
quite the same as buying a bird directly from the smallholder who reared it. Buying
local can make you feel more connected to your food.
Seasonality plays a big part
in this. Purple sprouting looks better without the cellophane. Psychosomatic
perhaps, but it also tastes better freshly harvested from a local farm, rather
than air freighted in from Zimbabwe.
Seasonal produce also adds to the festive feel. Brussels
sprout trees have become as symbolic of Christmas as their distant tinsel
cousins, but in a very different way. (Yes, there will be sprouts at the
markets this Christmas, local farmers, V.P. Collins, have confirmed. However, they
may be smaller than usual because of the wet weather and attacks by local deer).
So what’s on offer locally in the run-up to Christmas?
The market will have a distinctively
festive feel. Julian Harvard will be selling Christmas wreathes and stylish table
decorations, made with foliage from his cottage garden in Gloucestershire. Local
artisans will provide an opportunity to buy some last-minute presents.
However, Gerb is also keen to emphasise the social aspect of
the farmers’ market. One of its highlights is “the fabulous range of hot food
available.” This is street food with a rural twist. In addition to the
traditional hot dogs, bacon baps and hog roasts, there’s hot chicken soup,
paella and falafel pittas. Those still hungry can finish off with a freshly
baked cupcake or pastry.
Shoppers may also want to make a trip to their local country
market. Country markets are the successor to the old WI stalls. They offer a slightly
different way of buying local produce. Run as co-operatives, they allow
individual cooks, bakers, gardeners, smallholders and crafters to sell direct to
the public.
Everything on offer must be homemade or home grown. Smaller in
scale than the farmers’ markets, they can be a good place to pick up homemade
mince pies, chutneys and cakes.
Local charity, the Jubilee Gardens Project,
is also offering seasonal produce and decorations from its base in Purton. The
charity, which provides training in horticulture for adults with learning
difficulties, is selling homemade chutney and preserves, pickled cabbage and
shallots.
Their end-of-term Christmas show, which featured holly wreathes, bunches
of mistletoe and table decorations, quickly sold out. Proof that Christmas
shopping can still deliver that feel-good factor.
Swindon, McGlenn Designer Outlet - Sunday, 16th
and 23rd December, 10am – 4pm.
Malmesbury, Market Cross - Saturday, 22nd
December, 9am -1pm.
Wotton Bassett, High Street - Saturday, 22nd
December, 9am – 1pm.
Wanborough, Village Hall - Saturday, 15th December,
9am -12 noon.
Country Markets
Swindon, St Aldhelm’s Church Hall, Edgeware Road - Friday, 14th and 21st December, 9am – 12 noon.
Cricklade, the Club, 38 High Street - Friday, 21st December, 9am – 11 am.
Jubilee Gardens
Project
Church Bush Hall, Cricklade Road, Purton Stoke, Swindon, SN5 4HY. (The Hall is on the B4553
Cricklade to Purton road, approximately 500 metres south of the Purton Stoke
turning). The produce stall is usually open weekdays from 10am until 3 pm.
However, it’s best to phone to check times and availability beforehand (01793
771539).
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 Swindon Designer Outlet |
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