Thanks to Helen for this report back from last weekend’s first IW Pannier micro market. Ed
The first Christmas Pannier market at Briddlesford Lodge Farm last weekend was a great success for all parties.
An added bonus for many regular Briddlesford visitors, the IW Pannier Christmas Market also boasted its own share of customers who visited specifically to see what was on offer. And what a lot we had to show them!
With splendid support from Forest View Nurseries, Badgers Walk, Cards by Ruth, What Knot Crafts, Isle of Fudge, Sarah Kearney (Jewellery), Isle of Wight Calendars and Jules Marriner (illustrator & face painter!), the IW Pannier Market was able to provide a festive treat. With many customers buying Christmas presents and decorations, the event added to the bounty always on offer at Briddlesford.
“Great to meet other traders”
Trader Brian Herbert, of Cards by Ruth, said “events like this are a good way to meet and chat with other traders. You find out what others are doing and it helps if we all work together – and of course I’ve made sales too!”
Trader, Margaret Steggles of ‘What Knot Crafts’ agreed: “through events like these I’ve been able to link up with other producers. We like to give events like these a go – some work for you and some don’t – but you never know until you try.”
The Christmas micro markets are part of the Pannier Market programme which will be rolled out from Easter 2011 and have helped to progress the core principles of enabling producers to sell direct to the public whilst enhancing and supporting the existing market culture on the Island. And with the number of producers linking up with Pannier ever-increasing, 2011 promises to be very exciting.
The Pannier team is enormously grateful to Briddlesford Lodge Farm for all the support they have given to the launch weekend – and we look forward with great anticipation to next weekend (18/12 and 19/12) at the IW Steam Railway, Havenstreet as part of the Santa Special Experience.
