|
|
The return of Le Vier Marchi
HOW many people know The Royal Square as Le Vier Marchi? In days of old, the town square was a busy meeting place where people gathered to exchange gossip as well as stock up on fresh local food.
Every month until the end of September 2003 a traditional farmers' market makes its way back there and will be held in the Square on the first Saturday in every month and at St Aubin on the third Saturday in every month. The morning market contains produce which is classed as Genuine Jersey, meaning it must have been made and produced in the Island. Produce includes milk, butter, cream, Jersey Royals and maincrop potatoes, green vegetables, locally caught seafood, eggs, soft fruits and locally made jam and honey - and even local arts and crafts. Foods will be seasonal.
Organic Farming
Stephen Jones runs Vers Les Monts organic farm in St Peter. ‘I took up organic farming four years ago after I went travelling through Europe, and stayed at a few organic farms. I caught the bug from that and I’ve never done any other kind of farming.
‘We’re planning to sell a selection of vegetables and potatoes and I wanted to include some organic eggs as well, but I’m not sure if there will be enough. I run a totally organic farm, and this is our fourth year of being organic.
‘I think farmers’ markets are a good idea, because they give the customers a good idea of where the produce is actually from, and can ask us all about it. The producers have to be the sellers as well, so we know all about the produce on our own stall. So, there’s an accountability there as well.’ All produce sold at the farmers’ market which is organic has to be certified organic, so customers know exactly what they are buying.
‘So far, we’ve had really positive comments about a farmers’ market, and I think it’ll be a good outlet,’ said Stephen.
Soft Fruit
Mark Bingle is looking forward to taking the Farmers’ Market by storm with Bingies Berries.
‘I have been in and surrounded by the agricultural industry for most of my life, and decided to diversify in soft-fruit growing, mostly raspberries, after being inspired by the late Ken Huelin,’ said Mark.
‘I started off growing a few strawberries in a plot of land as a hobby, and that was five years ago. Now, we produce 40,000 punnets a year, and have just over two and a half acres to grow them in.’
The raspberries are grown under cover, and this is the second season for Bingies Berries. Mark is one of a very few raspberry growers in the Island. ‘My main trade is at the Central Market, and I sell to supermarkets and wholesalers as well,’ said Mark.
‘I think that agriculture is a real local industry, and the farmers’ market is a venture which supports and encourages local growers,’ he said.
‘There aren’t many opportunities for people to actually speak to the growers who grow their food, and this is one of them.
‘Hopefully, it will be a good opportunity to promote local produce.’
Arts and Craft
Despite being somewhere to buy the best of local food, the farmers’ market is also acting as an outlet for locally made arts and crafts, such as jewellery.
Penny Fogarty, who owns her own crafts shop, The Studio at St Clement’s Farm, with her daughter Roisin, is getting a co-operative of local artists together to run a stall at the market.
‘I think the market is a lovely idea and it’s wonderful to have so much local produce in one place, especially organic things,’ said Penny.
Products on the craft stall include handmade jewellery and metalwork, including a large hanging garden chair, which is sure to attract some attention made by Nick Ostrousmoff – and it is all made in Jersey.
Other craftspeople who are part of the co-operative are Antonia Pastorelli, Christine Witham, Jo Bastiman, Jeannie Richardson, Helen Hughes, Rosemary Blackmore, Penny Bishop, Jo Falla, Hazel Wynn and Nicola Stewart and Jo Pocock.
‘There are also handmade books and cards, and some lovely honey,’ said Penny.
‘It’s just the kind of thing I like to do, very hands-on. You have to be at the stall.
‘For crafts people and artists in the co-op who can’t make it, there will be a book with their details so shoppers can see a whole range of things.’
Genuine Jersey
As well as agriculture, Jersey is also renowned for its craftsmanship. In order to celebrate this, Genuine Jersey Products Association was created. Local groups form the association and its aim is to raise awareness of the high quality, value and choice within local produce. These include farmers and local growers, milk, pottery, creative stoneware, furniture, wine, honey, beer, soap, jewellery and silverware.
Genuine Jersey combined with Arts in the Frame hold a Market in St Aubin several times a year. This event sells local craft and produce. For dates of oncoming events or more information, telephone or go to Genuine Jersey website.
This article updated: June 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| ......Daily Ditons...... |
Es grands maux les grands r'mièdes.
Desperate diseases, desperate remedies.
|
|
|
