Trader opens community centre market for farmers (From Oxford Mail)

Trader opens community centre market for farmers

7:00am Saturday 5th May 2012 in News By Andrew Ffrench, covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425

MARKET trader Caroline Casey spotted an opportunity while driving along Botley Road in Oxford – and set about creating a new farmers’ market.

Ms Casey, 48, from Witney, was making her way into Oxford earlier this year when she noticed West Oxford Community Centre and thought it would be an ideal location for a new market.

She approached community centre managers and they agreed to stage the market on the first Friday of every month, from 1pm to 5pm.

About 18 different traders set up their stalls at the centre for the first time yesterday.

The inaugural West Oxford farmers’ market comes as the farmers’ market in Headington announced it will move from monthly to fortnightly.

Miss Casey, who runs a stall selling crafts, honey and mustard, said: “There is also space in the hall where traders can display what they sell and I’m hoping this will be a great success.

“These markets are becoming increasingly popular because more and more people want local produce and want to know where their food comes from.”

Helen Peacocke, food writer for The Oxford Times, said: “Local food retailers get great exposure at these farmers’ markets.

“Caroline has had a great idea and it’s lovely that it has come to fruition.

“There have been a growing number of farmers’ markets in Oxfordshire in recent years and some of them like Deddington and Wolvercote have a real buzz.”

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