WE’VE been really pleased with the first markets of 2016 with strong stallholder and customer numbers undoubtedly helped by some really quite pleasant weather; it was even a bit chilly once!

It was great to see Adeline Farm at the market last Saturday with some wonderful produce and we’re hopeful they will stay on through the next couple of months with winter veg.

With the wet ground and mild temperatures making it perfect weather for planting trees and shrubs we’re delighted Down to Earth will be at the market again this Saturday.

They will have jostaberries, raspberries, red/white/blackcurrants at £5, peach and nectarine trees (fantastic in a sheltered sunny garden) at £18 and a range of apples at £15 including Discovery, Blenheim Orange, Winter Gem, James Grieve, Howgate Wonder, Laxtons Superb and Sunset.

They had a storming day two weeks ago and are selling out fast, so if you are planning to grow some of your own fruit this year it would be worth paying them a visit.

Ascott Gardens will have some lovely valentine hearts this week, willow and dried flowers, but she asked me to let you know she won’t be back before Valentine’s Day after this Saturday.

As well as her range of rustic ceramics Ann from Ascott Gardens grows a huge variety of plants and shrubs, decorative and edible, on her land.

Her skill with dried flowers is fabulous; the dried flower heart I bought last year is still just as good today as it was when I bought it.

For other long lasting Valentine’s gifts you may also like to have a look at Liz Dart Stained Glass who will also be in attendance.

Elsewhere the Veggie Deli return this Saturday with their range of vegetarian ready bakes and the famous ‘veggie chorizo’, plus my personal favourite the vegetarian scotch eggs.

Cirencester Micro Brewery Corinium Ales, with the legendary IPA, are also back for the first time since New Year and we have a guest cheese appearance from Gould’s of Shepton Mallet while Glastonbury Dairy are on holiday.