I KNOW for many of you thinking about Christmas this early will be a bit of a no-no but here at the office it is very much the focus of our attention.

With Stroud Goodwill Evening kicking off proceedings next Friday, December 4, and the bookings for the Christmas gift markets (December 18, 21 and 22) and the Christmas farmers’ markets (Saturday, December 19, and Wednesday, December 23) coming in thick and fast it is hard to remain detached.

If you are shopping with a conscience remember it is always better for the local economy (the affluence of your community) to try and buy your presents in local shops and from small businesses at our wonderful markets, the Cornhill and the Shambles.

Buying direct from the maker, which is something you’ll only find at markets or exhibitions, means you end up supporting a micro business that keeps the diversity of our economy alive and you end up with a unique purchase.

One of the most pleasing success stories from this year’s markets has been the NG Leather stall.

I’ve known Neil, who also runs the Redhill Mountain biking centre, for many years before he was a leather worker.

He started the leather making in that ‘Elves and the Shoemaker’ way and Stroud farmers’ market and its customers have been very good to him.

He is constantly doing repairs and special orders and his belts, collars and bags, made from British and Italian high grade leather, are highly praised and sell very well.

There are a host of other great crafts at the market this Saturday with Chainsaw sculptures from Denius @rtby, Pottery from Claire Powell and Dan Hides, Upcycled Clothing from Nimpy, Soap at Goat Maid Soaps and beeswax candles at Horton’s, plus Cymbal Knits wool socks, Anne Maliphant paint effect homewares, Joe the Man on the corner and Denkats Vintage down the Threadneedle Flea market.

We will also be hosting the Christmas Gift stall for the Stroud Women’s Refuge.

On the food front look out for new stalls too, Nifty Nut Butters with their range of nut butters, Tubby Tom’s hot BBQ marinades and sauces plus monthly attendees Simon Weaver Organic Cheeses and Big Horn Biltong.