“THERE’S already a real buzz,” says the Naomi Katze, the woman behind plans for a new monthly farmers’ market at Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Newcomer to the upper dale, Ms Katze moved from north Lincolnshire to Harwood last October with her husband Alan, three rescue dogs and two beehives.
She said the market, which will be held at Middleton-in-Teesdale auction mart every fourth Saturday of the month.
The first, on May 25, already has more than 20 traders confirmed.
Ms Katze said: “Moving to Teesdale was something I always wanted to do. I nearly moved up here 30 years ago but the time wasn’t right. This time everything seemed to fall into place.
“My background is in event organising and I have run farmers’ markets before as well as pagan and craft fairs.
“I know Barnard Castle has a farmers’ market and when I found the mart, I thought I could do a lot there.”
After getting the green-light from the mart’s committee, Mrs Katze says she is delighted with the response from both traders and members of the public.
“There is a real buzz about it and it’s not just me that’s excited. At the moment there are 22 traders confirmed on the list but I also have a fruit and veg guy and possibly a fish trader.
“I had a lot of crafters get in touch when I put feelers out, but I had to tactfully say I wanted to make the market about good local food products. When I mentioned I used to run craft markets they all asked if I am going to set those up as well. So, you never know I may, but I want to get the farmers’ market up and running first.”
The market will feature lots of local suppliers, from cheesemakers to brewers, as well as local honey, handmade chocolates, natural dog treats, chutneys, hams and artisan baker and much more.
The inaugural Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers’ Market will take place at Middleton Mart on Saturday, May 25, between 9am and 1pm, when there will also be refreshment stalls.
For more information or to book a stall email middleton teesdalefm@gmail.com.
