Join us

The Country Markets is a national organisation originally set up by the WI as a trading 'arm' and is now independent, it is basically a co-operative.  The country markets have their on website here:

Country Markets and they have loads of information on there about becoming a member, and we also have information on our website.

Once you have joined the market it will cost you a percentage of your sales (currently 10%) and nothing more.  If you sell nothing it costs you nothing.

Maybe you have recently retired, or looking to earn some money that fits in with a busy family life.  Perhaps you have an excess of produce from your allotment or garden, or a craft worker looking for a new outlet.  Or just enjoy baking, making and growing and want to get involved.  Anyone over the age of 16 can join. We can attend other events, not just the Thursday market, and join with other Country Markets for events.  You can advertise and tell all of your friends, relatives and customers that your produce will be on the market every Thursday, and you might get a loyal customer base.

So if you are someone that can:

• Cook - such as cakes, pies, preserves, chutneys, savouries
• Raise plants - from bedding plants to shrubs
• Grow fuit or vegetables - seasonal from your garden or allotment
• Crafts - hand make items like knitting, embroidery, watercolours, as long as they are hand crafted and quality finished, they will be considered
• Or if you just want to come along and help for a couple of hours, to see what we do that would be great too

How is it run? 

• The market is run as a co-operative, here are a few of the main points on how it is run: 
• there are no minimum quantities
• you do not have to contribute every week
• a commission is taken on sales, presently 10%, which covers the cost of the stall and insurance etc
• you will be paid once a month for your sales
• packaging is available to buy - bags, card and jar lids
• we give advice on Food Hygiene certification is available for cooks, as well as financial contribution (this can be done on line now)
• and advice on how to package and produce labels
• there is a rota to 'man' the stall and you would normally have one 2 hour shift a month, but the members are flexible and if you cannot help then arrangements can be made
• bear in mind the stall is outdoors and whatever products you wish to sell will need to be displayed on a potentially windy and wet market stall!
• Anyone over 16 can be a member and it costs 5p to join.