Farmers' market news with Gerb Gerbrands.

I had a long chat on the phone to a potential new stallholder this week where I was trying to explain how, although I am unable to offer any stalls to new applicants at the moment, it is still worth sending in the application form and joining the waiting list because, even though the market is generally full, there are always unexpected changes during the course of a year.

Looking at the list for this Saturday, which is particularly long, I can see a fair few stalls that have joined us in the last 12 months.

All these would have joined the waiting list and eventually received the nod for an opening on the market.

We have two brand new stalls this week, Seatox Seaweed and the Rebel Fudge company attending for their first time, whilst other newbies include the Pie Creator, the Welsh Cake Lady, Eccentric Gin, Artisan Ales of Minchinhampton, Seb’s Cider, Dizzibirds, Hempen and the Happy Gut Hut who have all joined in the last 12 months.

Stroud is one of the most sought after farmers markets for stalls and our reputation means we get applications from Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Bristol, Wiltshire and beyond and most of those will never get the chance to trade.

Having said that, we are always keen to add to the diversity of what is on offer and when something unique and new shows up we work hard to find a space for them, even if it might be only once a month to start with.

Look forward seeing you all at this week’s market!