Somerset Farmers’ Markets held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 10th October in the Coxley Village Hall, Wells with the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Cllr Gordon Mackay attending.

Well known to the many residents who attend the Midsomer Norton market on the first Saturday of every month, Somerset Farmers’ Markets also run events in Keynsham, Nailsea, Axbridge, Frome and Crewkerne.

At the meeting, Midsomer Norton Town Council was singled out for particular praise for their enthusiastic support of the market held in the Hollies Garden in front of Sainsbury’s. The Midsomer Norton market currently hosts between 19 and 22 stalls and is operating at full capacity.

Traders reported favourable trading conditions with the market being described as having a great community feel and excellent location, being right on the High Street. It also benefits from being next to the Town’s Library which is open on Saturday mornings offering toilet facilities.

The Town Council decided to start sharing a Community Stall with Somer Valley FM, the local radio station, in September 2022 as an alternative to holding Councillor surgeries which provided an opportunity to engage with residents while supporting the market at the same time.

Somerset Farmers’ Markets, now in its 25th year, is a not-for-profit organisation which runs markets across the county. In common with all farmers’ markets, the central aim of Somerset Farmers’ Markets is to offer high-quality, locally produced food direct from the producer.

Midsomer Norton is a historic market town with its origins in the 1200s when Hugh de Vivonia was granted a Royal Charter for a Thursday market by Henry III. Markets are recognised as key to increasing high street footfall and Midsomer Norton will be expanding their offering with an indoor market hall in the renovated Town Hall and a new Market Square outside, at the Island.

The next Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market is on the 4th November followed by a special Christmas market on the 2nd December. This year sees the return of the Midsomer Norton Christmas Fayre on the 30th November which is being organised by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. As well as the lights being switched on, there will be entertainment, shopping and a visit from Santa.

Gordon Mackay