Andover Farmers’ Market Sunday 16 March

by Monxton Matters

 The all new Andover Farmers’ and Crafts Market will be staging its premier in the High Street this Sunday 16 March.  Forty stalls will fill the street from top to bottom with a vast array of local produce and crafts.

Food goodies on offer to tempt the taste buds will range from Greenfield Pork to Loosehanger Cheeses and New Forest Smokery.  Those with a sweet tooth can browse the Burley Fudge or Travelling Cupcake stalls, or be tempted to purchase a tipple from Grape Expectations.

Andover Farmers Market

Image thanks to Test Valley Borough Council

Craft stalls range from local artists to photography; jewellery to wool and yarn, and hand painted pottery to craft kits.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Carr said: “Last year the Council stepped in to ensure that a Farmers’ Market would continue in Andover after the Hampshire Farmers’ Market presence in the town ended.  This was in recognition of the important part a Farmers’ Market plays in the fabric of the Town.  The new Farmers’ and Crafts Market has been expanded to include a range of local crafts as well as produce and plants.  The High Street with also resound with music from Sing for Fun in the Time Ring, and the market will be bigger and better than ever before.  The market encourages residents to shop local, support their High Street and local producers.

“The full programme of Farmers’ and Crafts markets arranged this year marks the Council’s continued commitment to the town.  We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a volunteer bus scheme to help people without access to a public bus service travel into town and visit the Farmers’ and Crafts Markets and other key High Street events throughout the year.”

In order for the council to assess whether there is sufficient demand for a community service on a Sunday, we would like to hear from you.  If you are interested in making use of community transport on Sundays or can offer to drive a community vehicle, please contact the Planning Policy and Transport team on 01264 368000 by 31 March.

There is a packed diary of Farmers’ and Crafts Markets throughout the year, with a market now being held every month except for April and July.  Traders who are interested in taking part in future markets should contact Heather Whittam for more information – hwhittam@testvalley.gov.uk