Farmer's market flourishes at new location

Alderley Edge Farmers Market moved to a new location this weekend to host a special Easter market.

Local producers set up their stalls at Aldeli on Easter Sunday where owner Stephen Higham provided a barbecue on the terrace throughout the day.

Twenty-nine stalls were located around the New York deli offering a selection of homemade food and crafts. Two students from Salford University also attended to cover the event, for a film they are producing as part of their Masters degree, and Mr Bolton brought along his Eagle Owl which proved a popular attraction.

Christine Munro, who set up the Alderley Edge Farmer's Market nearly 14 years ago, said "I was really pleased with the market. I thought the atmosphere was great and all the farmers and producers had a good day. We all enjoyed being at the New York Deli, Stephen and Ilana made us very welcome.

"I received some really complimentary comments from the customers which was lovely. They said how nice it was to be able to shop and then call in the deli for a cup of coffee, sit in the warmth before going out again to get some more shopping. The windows of the deli got very steamed up with so many people in there!"

Christine added "Both customers and producers thought it worked really well and felt it would be great to be there in the summer months. They weren't too sure about the winter though!"

Stephen Higham added "All stall holders remarked what a nice atmosphere there was and having the provision of hot food and drink made customers stay a lot longer.

"Considering that it was Easter Sunday and it rained heavily half way through business was quite good. We hope to repeat market again."

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Steph Walsh
Friday 13th April 2012 at 7:39 pm
Is this for real? I went to the market, I never ever miss one, regardless of where it is, and I would not say that it is flourishing at the new location, far from it. For a start, I did not see any way near 29 stalls, more like 12. Furthermore, it was dead and miserable. Of course, the truly ghastly weather did not help it for sure, but by the time I left at 11.30 am, there were only a handful of people there. It was depressing.

The windows of the deli got so steamed up by the number of people who were in? What? It must have been a stampede after midday I guess. Incidentally, also the market that was held down London Road in December, on another terrible day, weather-wise, was deemed a great, busy success. Well, I was there, and it was awful. The French girl who always sells out of bread when the market is indoor was hardly selling anything, as so few people were around. I'll go whatever the weather but, really, these two attempts were far from successful. They reminded me of that time when Bramhall held the market last year; a stellar fiasco, even though I still went for the olives that Dominic sells.
Christine Munro
Saturday 14th April 2012 at 10:11 am
Hi Steph, I am sorry you didn't enjoy the market. There were 29 stalls, I booked them in myself, and they were all very pleased with their sales. I spoke to all the producers towards 3pm when we finished and they all felt it was a great success, the only problem we had was parking. The car park was packed full all day and customers were finding it difficult to park.
I was doing a raffle for Wilmslow Lions with the giant Easter Egg and so spoke to lots of people about the market while they were filling in the Lions card and all of the comments were very complimentary and supportive.
What would you suggest to improve the market Steph? I would love to have some imput from customers and visitors to the market. Bouncing ideas off each other often brings great results.
Mike Norbury
Saturday 14th April 2012 at 4:24 pm
well we had a bloomin good day selling our honey and a lot of customers commented on how refreshing it was to see the market outside . The christmas market out on the street was hit badly by the weather and for a first attempt did better than you would expect . The aldeli is a great venue and i for one hope it goes on to be there regularly . Alot of our regular customers who come from further away had no trouble finding it as its pretty easy to spot on the way into the village. so well done christine and all concerned with helping the ailing alderley edge farmers market please continue to support it .
Steph Walsh
Saturday 14th April 2012 at 5:46 pm
I think that moving the market 'out there' is absolutely the way to go, yes. I think that's precisely what has ensured that the Artisan Market in Wilmslow had a great start and an even greater progression from a handful of stalls to a really thriving presence. Stalls can be seen by anyone who drives past them, whether at the bottom of the road or at the top, and this is usually what ensures lots of business. I think we should continue to have it in more prominent, visible places but, as I said above, I'll continue to come to it wherever it is, however ghastly the weather may be. I guess the stampede really did take place after midday.
Jon Williams
Saturday 14th April 2012 at 8:12 pm
Nice to see in Alderley, but PLEASE sort the parking out - far to many cars parked on footpaths.