Every 4th Saturday of the month - 9:00am to 12:30pm
The centuries-old tradition of a Saturday market in Deddington, which ceased in 1830, has been revived - and it's been thriving for over ten years. It was the winner in the South East region in Country Life's "Britain's Favourite Farmers' Market 2006" competition. It was also joint runner-up for the 2005 and 2006 National Farmers' Market of the Year Award. The market's founder, Charles Newey, was honoured posthumously when the National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) awarded him with its "Community Spirit Award for 2006". The market has also been a finalist in the Banbury Guardian's Community Awards as Rural Project of the Year and Community Group of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
The picture on the right is Deddington Market's 'Engine Room'.
They turn out at 07:00 every month to 'make the market happen' by erecting the stalls, and doing the take down after the bell at the end of each market. A great team, who do a brilliant job.
Deddington farmers' Market now features in Rose Prince's book - The Good Produce Guide 2011
The book lists over 1,000 places to buy the best food in the UK, and this is what she says about us:
"This market in a delightful village spot is loved by its customers for the sheer range of produce on offer, including artisan bread, fresh vegetables and fuit, wet fish, meat, honey, locally made mustard and preserves and homemade soups. The market is held in the square, with some stalls inside the church. Villagers report that its arrival has been a great boost to the economy and has spawned other community events such as the annual village show".
The 50 plus stallholders offer:
- beef, lamb, pork, poultry, water buffalo, venison and game
- bacon, gammon and speciality sausages
- trout (fresh, smoked, pâté and quiches) and sea fish
- ready made meals and soup
- fresh fruit and vegetables in season (including accredited organic), mushrooms, nuts and watercress
- speciality and traditional bread, cakes, pies and pastries, New York style cheesecakes, traditional puddings, and biscuits
- free-range eggs, cheeses, yoghurt, milk, apple juice, cider and beer
- pickles, chutneys, mustards, dressings, sauces, honey, jams and marmalade
- crafts: hand-made cards, beeswax candles, photographs, jewellery, pottery, knitwear, hand-made woven rugs, spun Alpaca fleece (and knitted products) and hand-made leather shoes
- turned wooden bowls and pens, leather goods, willow baskets, bird tables and nest boxes
- pot and herbaceous plants, shrubs, herbs, lavender and cut flowers
If you wish to contact any of the stallholders, eg: to pre-order produce to collect on market day, or to make a purchase at another time, you will find a printable (pdf) list with their details HERE.
There's always music, often from a street organ, and other attractions, while refreshments can be enjoyed at premises adjacent to the Market Place. Those venturing into the church will find a host of additional stalls, many associated with the Farmers' Market.
Market Dates 2012
- January 28
- February 25
- March 24
- April 28
- May 26
- June 23
- July 28
- August 25
- September 22
- October 27
- November 24
- December 22
Background
Today's market is the result of a community initiative. Founded in September 2001, it is managed by a voluntary group aided by a team of helpers. The market has a unique atmosphere and traders often tell us it is their favourite market. There are more than 50 producers (some seasonal) - a producers' list is available from the Information Desk at the market.
The market is very much at the heart of the community. Come rain or shine, a team of volunteers put up and take down the covered stalls. As well as the farmers' and producers' stalls there are 'community' stalls run by local people all adding to the special atmosphere of the market. Over 3000 people regularly come to buy, take refreshment and meet up with friends. It's on the parish social calendar! Community organisations also use the market to publicise their events.
The Deddington Farmers Market is considered by many local producers to be the best in the region. Here are some quotes: "If you have a stall here, it's regarded as a sign of quality in itself"; "It's not like work, 'tis a pleasure to be coming".
The market is run according to the rules and regulations of the National Association of Farmers' Markets www.farmersmarkets.net and in March 2003 it became the first NAFM certified farmers' market in Oxfordshire. As a result of the merger between NAFM and the Farmers Retail Federation, it is now a certified market of FARMA (the National Farmers' and Retail Markets Association www.farma.org.uk).
The members of Deddington Market Management Group (DMMG) are:
- Chloe Smith (Information Point)
- Tei Williams (Publicity)
- Geoff Todd (Chairman), tel: 01869 338532;
email: geoff.deddingtonfarmersmarket@yahoo.co.uk - James Privett
- Kevin Mayo (Construction Team Leader)
- Nick Smith (Treasurer)
- Pat Swash (Secretary)
- Paul Drawmer