Deddington Farmers' Market

Every 4th Saturday of the month - 9am to 12:30pm

The centuries-old tradition of a Saturday market in Deddington, which ceased in 1830, has been revived - and it's thriving. 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 50 plus stallholders offer:

• beef (including organic), lamb, pork, poultry, water buffalo, venison and game
• bacon, gammon and speciality sausages
• trout - fresh, smoked, pâté and quiches
• ready made meals and home-made soups
• fresh fruit and vegetables in season (including accredited organic), mushrooms, nuts and watercress
• speciality and traditional bread, cakes, pies and pastries, biscuits and chocolate
• free-range eggs, cheeses, yoghurt, milk and ice-cream, apple juice cider and wines
• pickles, chutneys, mustards, dressings, sauces, honey, jams and marmalade
• crafts: hand-made cards, beeswax candles, soap, photographs, jewellery, pottery and knitwear
• turned wooden bowls, leather goods, willow baskets and walking sticks
• pot and herbaceous plants, shrubs, herbs, lavender and cut flowers

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.

Dates for this year are:

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:

• Althea Wood (Chairman). Tel: 01869 337904
• Linda Davies (Treasurer)
• Kevin Mayo
• Chloe Smith
• Pat Swash (Secretary)
• Cindy Tansley (Publicity), email: Cindy
• Geoff Todd (Market and Public Relations Co-ordinator)