For the past fourteen years, the Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market has been held on the first Saturday of the month at the Hollies Gardens from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The market has earned a reputation of being both popular and friendly. However, this coming Saturday, 4th November, sees a big step forward for the market, with new stallholders and new produce, as well as a brand new sponsor backing the event.

The new sponsor of the town’s Farmers’ Market is local law firm, Thatcher + Hallam LLP. One of the organisers of the event is Somerset Farmers’ Market’s Louise Hall, who says: “We are delighted that Thatcher + Hallam has chosen to support Somerset Farmers’ Markets.

“Not only are they supporting us here in Midsomer Norton, but also with our markets at Keynsham, and the Frome Cheese and Grain. We are really looking forward to a successful future partnership, enabling our markets to continue to thrive and expand, supporting not only many small local farmers and food businesses, but also providing the centre of our town with a vibrant, local, food shopping experience.

“It is hard to believe that Thatcher + Hallam has been established in Midsomer Norton for nearly 250 years and over the centuries, has developed a strong identity as being a part of and serving the local community,” adds Louise. “What impressed us as part of their commitment to the local community, is that the firm has now held a free weekly legal surgery for over thirty years, advising well over 10,000 local residents. We all felt at home with this sort of strong local focus from our sponsor.”

The link that brought the Farmers’ Market and Thatcher + Hallam together is solicitor, Sarah Gratton. Prior to becoming a partner and Head of Business at the law practice, Sarah also ran her own business called ‘Deersleap Chillies’, which used to operate at the Farmers’ Market.

“With my previous personal links, I am especially pleased that my firm has chosen to support such an excellent community-based organisation, such as the Somerset Farmers’ Markets,” says Sarah. “Now as a buyer, I look forward to my regular monthly visit to the market at the Hollies!”

The market is already home to many great stalls, such as the Teeny Greeny Urban Farm, the award-winning Somerset Cheese Company, and Brown Cow Organics, considered by many celebrity chefs to supply some of the best beef in the country. Seafoods are one of the most renowned family-run fishmongers in the South West, attracting a following for their freshly caught fish. With a new pork stall and local free range eggs, preserves, baked goods and pies, the market is growing each month. In December, the market welcomes the Norton Radstock Silver Band.

To get up-to-date news on the local producers, you can follow Somerset Farmers’ Market on Facebook or Twitter, or to receive a monthly newsletter focusing solely on news from the Midsomer Norton Market, visit: www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk to sign up.