From Farm To Fork

The very first farmers market took place in Bath in 1997. Launched by Bath & North-East Somerset Council, it was an attempt to promote locally sourced produce and to support those who grew and farmed the food. It was based on a model that had become increasingly popular in the USA and after the market was featured on BBC favourite Countryfile, similar events began to spring up across England. 

Today, there are currently more than 2,500 farmers markets in the UK, with at least 20 regularly taking place in Surrey: from Camberley to Cobham, Walton-on-Thames to Woking.

Sally Erhardt, who founded the award-winning Ripley Farmers Market - which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, alongside Val Harris - says it was a lack of access to fresh produce for the residents of Ripley that spurred her and Val into creating what is now one of the county’s most celebrated culinary centres.

“I was disappointed to be unable to buy any local food when we moved to Ripley in 1996, there was very limited choice in the village and a disproportionate elderly population, many without transport,” Sally says. 

“Eventually we managed to start the Farmers Market on the village green in June 2005. We had a committee of eight and we all brought different skills. Three of us are still here. From the beginning we focused on a good mix of great local food, raising money for local good causes, and looking after our stallholders. The village comes alive on market day.”

According to Sally the objectives were threefold: to provide somewhere for local people to buy quality produce in a convenient and friendly way; to provide an outlet for small local producers of a wide range of food and related produce, and to use any surplus for local charitable purposes.

The market attracts hundreds of people each month, but the number of regulars is a testimony to its popularity. This is a result of a combination of factors, according to Sally.

“We are, we believe, still the only market in Surrey on grass, which gives it a more rural and outdoor feel,” she says.

The market takes place on a Saturday morning and appeals to directly to families - dogs are also welcome.

“We try to make sure there is a wide range of quality producers to give as big a range of choice as we can. We currently have between 35 and 50 paying stalls at each market. The emphasis is on variety, rather than having lots of stalls competing selling similar products.”

Alongside this are events such as Ripley Bake Off - complete with celebrity judges and also two Grape and Grain Festivals featuring Surrey’s famous wine, gin and beer producers. There are also regular cookery demonstrations not to mention dog shows and an annual appearance by the Guildford Barbers Shop singers who perform for shoppers.

“It has become a social event. We have tables and chairs where people sit and eat and drink and chat,” Sally adds.  

For details, visit: ripleyfarmersmarket.co.uk

Helen is the founder of A Basing Bakes - an award-winning gluten free baking business. Helen attends both the Farnham and Guildford Farmers Markets with a range of goodies including sausage rolls, cakes, pies and pastries.

Helen says: “We started doing markets so we could meet our customers face to face. People are really thinking about their food and where it comes from so we can chat to them and tell them what exactly is in each product. We specialise in gluten free - there are no additives or preservatives and we use as much local produce as we can. 

“You can buy such a great range of products - fish, eggs, meat, fruit and veg and you can actually meet the people who have produced that food."

“There is always a great atmosphere at farmers markets - you get to know the traders and your customers and it’s actually a really nice community.”

You can find out more about A Basing Bakes at: abasingbakes.co.uk