It's going to be a great day to be in Tonbridge!!!

The next Tonbridge Farmers Market is on Sunday June 9, and it's going to be a big day for the town as the Carnival Procession and Fair will be happening on the same day in the afternoon. What a great day to be in Tonbridge.

There are over 65 stalls booked, and this means it's going to be the biggest market happening in Kent, but that's not all as it's the Market's 2nd Birthday.

It's two years since the first Tonbridge Farmers Market appeared in our town. A chance was taken, and the organisers had absolutely no idea if the people of Tonbridge would support or even want a Farmers Market. Two years later, and with over 50,000 customers, we all know the answer is an unmistakeable YES.

In this short time they have become the biggest and best supported Farmers Market in Kent, and probably in the South of Kent. They have become runner up in the Taste of Kent Awards, and Best Farmers Market category. They have also been nominated and short listed for the BBC Food and Farming Awards.

Steve Wood Market Manager

Market Manager Steve Wood said 'it's great to be successful. It's even better when you and others love what you do. Let's see if the next will be just as exciting for us and our customers.'

Tonbridge Farmers Market with its sister market, Elm Court, and a number of producers were invited to the Jubilee Rooms at the Palace of Westminster by Tracy Crouch MP on May 15 to promote and to tempt MP's with fresh Kent produce.

Steve Wood said 'I hope this event will boost the profile of our market, Farmers Markets in general and of course kent and Kent produce. We were all looking forward to meeting the Prime Minister, but he was in the USA but sent this message to us.'

“I am delighted that Kent's producers have come to Parliament today to showcase some of their high-quality local produce. I am sorry that prior commitments abroad mean that I am unable to join you today - I was particularly looking forward to being able to sample the honey brought to London by the Dartford Beekeepers, which I’m told is truly delicious! I am sure that today's event will offer an opportunity to celebrate Kent's fantastically diverse agricultural sector and will, I hope, promote the county’s producers as they continue to flourish. I wish all those producers who have travelled to London to showcase their produce - and all involved - my very best wishes for an enjoyable and successful day.”

New starting point for this year's carnival procession

A message from Tonbridge Lions who want this year's Carnival crowds in the High Street, and not waiting for the procession on Quarry Hill Road and Railway Approach.

 'In a break with an almost unbroken custom that has existed over twenty five years, this year's Tonbridge Carnival procession, on Sunday 9th June, will not be assembling in Brook Street. 

Instead the carnival floats, classic cars, bands and other groups will gather in the Sovereign Way car parks, close to the Tonbridge Farmers' Market and then proceed from Avenue du Puy at 12.30 p.m.'

Something Fishy Going On In Tonbridge

We're all looking forward to Tonbridge Farmers Market being back in the town on February 10. That's just a couple of weeks away, and it's always a great place to buy fresh local produce and taste foods that are new to us, yet produced on our doorstep.

This time of the year, with the cold water around our fabulous coastline, there's no better time to try the local sea food. With this in mind, and in conjunction with Enterprise Fisheries, Tonbridge Farmers Market are bringing a Scallop Special to our town.

Gary Copeland from Enterprise said 'although most people are aware of the fabulous seafood we have, it amazes me how few have cooked or eaten this fantastic Mollusca'. So to start the new season Gary will have an extra stall, as well as his normal stall, selling and giving advice about this local delicacy.

The Market Kitchen will focus on all things fishy and demonstrate mouthwatering seafood dishes.Tasters are always handed out but you have to stay to the end.

Tonbridge Farmers Market is now the largest In Kent and has become a huge success. Not only is it an opportunity to buy local produce, but the covered Market Eatery (known as The Eat and Meet) has become a monthly meeting place for locals to catch up and enjoy the hot food on offer.

Opening times are 9.30am to 1.30pm in the Sovereign Way Car Park. See you there.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

Very impressed by Tonbridge Farmers Market taking the initiative and offering anti-bacterial hand cleanser at each table in the Market Eatery. With all the seasonal viruses doing their rounds it was most welcomed before tucking in to the delicious food prepared by local traders. Excellent!!!!!! 

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #100  -  Tonbridge Farmers Market

Tonbridge Farmers Market

Tonbridge Farmers Market is back in the town next Sunday, November 11, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Can you believe it will be the eighteenth Farmers Market since it was first set up in Sovereign Way.  Who would have thought it would be the success story it has been, and that has to be because the town was crying out for a good food market.  We have to thank Steve, the Market Manager, for being brave enough to give Tonbridge a chance.

Coffee and Walnut Cake - A favourite of mine!

With over 80 produce and craft stalls booked in already for next Sunday, it is going to be a great market which will be celebrating local cheese. So it's a chance to try before you buy, and they'll be cookery demonstrations featuring cheese in the Market Kitchen.  

The covered Market Eatery has become a monthly meeting place where I meet and catch up with local friends.  We call it our monthly 'eat and meet' and I know that other Tonbridge people take this opportunity too. I have to confess I am slowly working my way through all varieties of cakes, and when I'm done I'll probably start back at the beginning again.

Steve and Jo

Every month the market offers a free stall to a local charity, and on Sunday Epilepsy Action will be there. Stop off and have a chat with them and find out about what they do. They'll also be over at the Angel Centre in the afternoon for a Zumbathon where the money raising will continue. So if you want to burn all those calories off after eating at the Market Eatery you can help a worthy cause too. There's more information on how to join in on www.lovetozumba.co.uk  Last month the market stall holders and customers together raised £1110 for Breast Cancer Care.  So well done Tonbridge. That really was a fantastic effort.

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #71

A Second Chance

Since Tonbridge Farmers Market started trading monthly in the town we all can't wait for the next one to come around. So next weekend there's an opportunity to have a second helping of the town's favourite market at the West Kent Garden & Leisure Show.

They will be at Tonbridge Angels Football Club, Longmead with their wonderful local produce and stalls from 9am until 5pm, next Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May, as part of the Garden & Leisure event which features all the regular garden and plant stalls, birds of prey, flower arranging and cookery demonstrations.

So if you missed the brilliant sunny Sunday Farmers Market yesterday there's another chance to buy fresh local produce and enjoy the Garden & Leisure Show too. 

Entrance is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions and children under 16 are free.

Tonbridge Arts at Tonbridge Farmers Market

A lot was happening today at the monthly Tonbridge Farmers Market ... not only were Tonbridge Arts Festival organisers out in the sunshine letting all the good people of Tonbridge know about the brilliant events that will take place in the town in June ... shoppers were serenaded by members of the marvellous Bacchus Wind Orchestra who will be performing on June 16 at St Stephens Church as part of the Festival programme. For more details on their concert see http://www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk/index.php?inc=event-details&ev=31

Serenading Shoppers at Tonbridge Farmers Market

Bacchus Wind Orchestra

The Tonbridge Arts Festival aims to bring the joy of the arts to the people of Tonbridge and beyond, in a ten-day celebration of all art forms. The festival will comprise performing, visual and literary arts events to be held in venues throughout the town. It will offer local people the opportunity to access and participate in high quality artistic performances and exhibitions from professional and amateur artists and groups.  The Festival will run from 15th to 24th June with an exciting programme to suit all tastes.  There is something for everyone!!!

For more details of all the events taking place during the 10 days in June visit www.tonbridgeartsfestival.co.uk

Bringing Sunshine to Tonbridge Farmers Market

Easter Sunday, sees the Farmers Market return to the town, and no matter whether it rains or shines there is one Tonbridge stall holder who brings sunshine with her every time.

Many of you may already know Lesley from Clark & Coleman, the High Street Pharmacy, where her smile is just what we need when picking up a prescription, or needing advice on colds and flu. Afterall this is the time when a friendly face, and sunny disposition, really works its magic.  Well, this lady has a talent for making gorgeous greeting cards for all occasions, as well as hand made photograph albums, guest and scrap books,and she can personalise them too.

So stop off at this Tonbridge girl's stall, say hello and see what she has to offer. Maybe buy a card or two and send your own sunshine to someone special.  She'll certainly give you a friendly welcome, as Lesley is always full of smiles and laughter.

The Ultimate Test

Katherine Foster-Smith is not only an award winning marmalade producer, she has managed to scoop the approval of the Greek side of my family with her Beetroot and Orange Relish ... and believe me ... this is probably the highest accolade one can ever attain.

Great Preservations - World Marmalade Competition - Bronze Award

Tonbridge Farmers Market

Last Sunday Yiayia (Grandma) Polycarpou arrived at my home for a traditional English Sunday roast, and rather too many dishes of homemade accompaniments travelled with her .  A roast is not a roast, according to Yiayia, unless there is a considerable choice of Greek food on the table too. So the roast pork and yorkshire puds jostled for pride of place with a dish of moussaka and koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), and the cinnamon fragrance of an english apple crumble mingled with the scent of loukamades soaked in honeyed rosewater.  For those of you who have experienced the hilarious My Big Fat Greek Wedding you will appreciate what it can be like when marrying into a Greek family... especially where food and the matriarch of the kitchen is concerned. One can do well, but never as well as the elders, and nothing is ever as good as the Greek way.  It's something we accept and smile about ... that's Greek tradition.

Beetroot & Orange Relish

I'd made a trip to Tonbridge Farmers Market earlier that day, and stopped by at Great Preservations' stall to congratulate Katherine on her award when she asked me what I was cooking for the family, and recommended the Beetroot and Orange Relish which she assured me would complement the roast pork perfectly.  I left for home with a jar of Katherine's relish that she kindly gave me to try.  It was when I placed the 'non-self made' relish on the lunch table, and met with Yiayia's noticeably raised eyebrows, that I felt I had to justify my actions by explaining the relish was made by hand ... at home ...  and in the kitchen of a Tonbridge lady (just a few streets away) who had won a national award for her preserving skills.  The biography impressed, and that was all that was needed to encourage Yiayia to have just a taste of the aromatic burgundy preserve, and it wasn't long before she was nodding her head with rare approval, and combining the koupepia and the pork crackling with the Beetroot and Orange Relish.

So thank you Katherine for the free gift which really was a delicious accompaniment to the English/Greek meal, and for satisfying grandmother Polycarpou.  You have passed the ultimate test.  I certainly know what to take with me next time I visit the Matriach's own kitchen.

Have A Go

The friendly Angel Indoor Bowls Club members were at Tonbridge Farmers Market last weekend giving locals a chance to roll a ball, and get a feel of what it might be like to play the game for real.  Their club is the long green building just behind Sainsbury's Car Park on Avenue du Puy, and being an indoor venue, rain never stops play. 

Club members at Tonbridge Farmers Market

Now you may think that the club is really for the slightly older members of our town, but you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that it's a club that attracts all ages.  They even have a successful Junior Section. Once inside the building it opens up like Dr Who's Tardis to reveal a large indoor lawn (not real of course but green carpet), a fully stocked bar with seating area and even a restaurant too. The club also has a very strong social calendar with regular quiz, cabaret and comedy nights plus a variety of talks. This place really is rather a well kept secret.

Angel Indoor Bowls Club

Restaurant and Cafe

The club will be opening their doors tomorrow (Saturday 15 March) from 2 until 5pm when anyone who is interested can have a go, or simply take a look around the club. Members will be at hand to show you how to roll the ball, and tell you all about the social side of the club.  I was told to bring some socks as in general bowling shoes need to be worn, and heels are definitely not allowed on the rink.  

I'm sure nobody could be worse than me at having a go, as when I had a try at Tonbridge Farmers Market the ball curved really well (that's what I think it's supposed to do), but mine unfortunately curved in the wrong direction and into the bushes.

If you can't make the open afternoon tomorrow, regular open evenings are also held every first and third Wednesday of the month, between 7 and 9pm, and there's always a friendly face to show you the ropes.  

Give them a call on 01732 771200 or 01732 771262 for more information. 

'Love Chilli' Bag Spotted in St Ives

Tate St Ives

No sooner was Tonbridge Art Group's trip to Cornwall on the blog, a message and the above photo arrived from Steve (The Chilli Man) from Tonbridge Farmers Market.  

'This is a much better picture of the Tate St Ives.
What a surprise, there's someone with a love chilli bag.'

Recognising Tonbridge

The Recognising Tonbridge post is becoming extremely popular, and I am now receiving readers photographs of nooks and crannies around the town.  The shot below was sent to me by Steve, of Tonbridge Farmers Market, more notably known as 'Steve The Chilli Man'.  He noticed the stone plaque in the wall whilst delivering flyers around Tonbridge.  Where exactly is this?  And Steve, NO, you can't answer this time.

If you wish to send a photo for inclusion in Recognising Tonbridge email it as an attachment to
tonbridgedaily@gmail.com

Love is in the air at Tonbridge Farmers Market

A Valentine's Special is happening at Tonbridge Farmers' Market on Sunday February 12, 9.30am to 1.30pm, at Sovereign Way, Tonbridge

With over 65 stalls booked it is going to be a bumper market

This will be the 9th Tonbridge Farmers' Market and there will be plenty of ideas for your Valentine's gifts, together with great food and craft items to buy your loved ones.  The choice is immense such as hand made and boxed rose flavoured chocolate truffles, aromatic essentials oils, boxed cup cakes, beeswax candles, handmade cards, jewellery. 

As always the hugely popular cookery demonstrations will take place at The Market Kitchen.  Ian from Scrum Diddly will be first up with a Scrummy porridge.  This is going to be a regular spot to start the morning market.

Jenny from Happy Apple will be doing something wonderful with pancakes.

Steve the Chilliman will be making a chilli pancake ... different ... but this could add some spice to your Valentine Day's breakfast.

And, Neil from the Globe and Rainbow, Kilndown will just be cooking what he finds on the market.  As always a treat to watch.

Tonbridge Town Girlguiding will be there all morning with a tombola together with a small demonstration of girlguiding in the Tonbridge area. They will also be looking for volunteers and new members.  So go along, have a chat and support this local group.

Falling in Love at Tonbridge Farmers Market

Jo's Milk Jug

It's not often a milk jug inspires a blog post or that a simple milk jug is inspirational in any way.  However, I fell in love with the most charming floral jug on Jo's cake stall at the last Tonbridge Farmer's Market.  As always I had stopped at Jo's for my customary cake and coffee, that I tend to savour in the Market Eatery which, might I add, has become a monthly social meeting place for many of us Tonbridge people. 

Month by month I am trying to work my way through Jo's splendid array of mouth-watering cakes, and this time I couldn't resist a massive slice of deep golden moist carrot cake crowned with buttery topping.  My friend plumped for the coffee and walnut cake which was equally as large, and equally as inviting, and graphically topped with a whole boletus-brown walnut.  It looked so good I'll definitely be trying that one next time.

It was when I came to pour milk into my steaming hot coffee that I was first introduced to the beautiful vintage jug.  For a short moment the Englishness of pretty pink roses and rosebuds cast me back to nostalgic tea times of my past, and then followed a flurry of photographs and declarations of  admiration of the splendid fine bone china object.  I think the bemused Jo thought I was quite mad, but she did reveal that since she had been using the pink pattened jug customers had been more than complimentary of her choice of crockery. 

I'll be back for the coffee and walnut cake when the market is back in town on the 12th of February, and I hope Jo returns with this little' piece de resistance'.  I might even ask her if she wishes to part with it.

Breakfast Special at Tonbridge Farmers Market

Tonbridge Farmers' Market is on Sunday January 8 

... And it's a Farmhouse Breakfast Special

This will be the 8th Tonbridge Farmers' Market

in Sovereign Way

Tonbridge TN9 1RG

9.30am - 1.30pm

Have a late breakfast or brunch in the Market Eatery

With over 45 stalls booked in already this month, it is going to be a great start to 2012

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so whether you are just coming to the market for your breakfast or you're stocking up on some wonderful breakfast goodies this is the month to start. 

Try a speciality tea for your breakfast

There will be plenty to try and tickle your fancy and get your mouth watering. There should be plenty of special offers to start the new year.

Honey has many health benefits so spread some sunshine on your breakfast toast

The Farmers’ Market offers the chance to try something a little different such as a new flavour of sausage, great with home cured bacon and free range eggs.

The market also provides a great opportunity for shoppers to get ideas for hearty winter meals.
Chilly winter days are just the time for cooking delicious roasts, stews and casseroles, baked potatoes, hot soups and hot puddings.

Fresh local vegetables for those winter warming dishes

 Producers at the market will be bringing a vast array of quality ingredients which are both fresh and local, including seasonal favourites for January such as carrots, leeks, parsnips and turnips which are perfect for creating warming fare for the colder winter months.

THE MARKET KITCHEN

As always the cookery demonstrations will run with the theme of the market, so mainly breakfast ideas this month including-

Jenny from Happy Apple making a Crunchy Oat Breakfast with Blackberry Curd and then Cinnamon Pancakes with Plum Jam.

Jenny from The Happy Apple with her fabulous preserves

THIS MONTH'S CHARITY 

Leigh Primary School will be raising funds for their new classroom.  For more information about them http://www.leighnewclassroom.com/

You can now follow what the market is up to on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr. Follow the links from Tonbridge Farmer's Market web site.

Customers wishing to get a reminder for the market can do so by emailing steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk and just put “reminder” in the subject box or for a text reminder, text “Tonbridge” to 07557739903. 

Steve said “The reminder service is great. It's so easy to let a lot of customers know when the market is on”.

The market is actively looking for charities or local groups to take up the offer of a free pitch which is available at every market.

 

Christmas Drinks Special at Tonbridge Farmers Market

Tonbridge Farmers' Market 11^th December 2011 and then the second Sunday of every month. 9.30am – 1.30pm Sovereign Way, Tonbridge TN9 1RG

The biggest market yet and the biggest farmers' market in Kent!

… And it's a Christmas Drinks Special

 

This will be the 7th Tonbridge Farmers' Market, happening on Sunday 11^th December.

With over 65 stalls booked in already this month, it is going to be the biggest market to date.

This Month is our Christmas Drinks Special

We have some of the best drink producers from the local area showing off their wares this month, so it will be an excellent chance to find something a little bit special, stock up on all your Christmas booze and also soft drinks.

We will have a great selection of wine, beer, cider, spirits and local fruit juices, something for everyone’s taste. Hepworth Brewery will be holding a meet the brewer day, you can find out what goes into their wonderful beers.

Confirmed already are

Big Tree Cider

Dudda's Tun Kentish Cider

Fallen Angel Brewery

Hepworth Brewery

Meopham Valley Vineyard

Pine Trees Farm Apple Juice

Rent a Cherry

Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard

Marsh Produce

Marsh produce have a new Christmas plum mulled wine sausage, what a great way to add some festive flare into your traditional English dishes.

The Market Kitchen

As always the cookery demonstrations will run with the theme of the market, so lots of drink included this month.

Jenny - Happy Apple

Jenny from the Happy Apple will be making a vegetarian gravy, and Coombe Farm Turkeys will be demonstrating how to carve a turkey.

Tonbridge Farmers Market

 

A warm and sunny morning welcomed the September Tonbridge Farmers Market to town, and it was the busiest I have ever seen it.  The number of stalls seem to be slowly growing, and I am already recognising and getting to know many of the stallholders who are always willing to chat about their produce and the time of day.  They really are a very friendly bunch of people and it beats the supermarket any day.

My first stop, as always, was for the hog roast.  It was only 12.30pm and there had obviously been a run on the filled rolls, and I joined the fairly long line of eager diners pleased that we had arrived early enough to savour the warm and freshly carved pork.  Crackling is always on offer for those not watching their weight, together with a tasty stuffing and apple sauce.  The market only comes to Tonbridge once a month so it can't do much harm to the waistline to fill the rolls up with everything on offer and have a treat. I certainly did.

No sooner had I eaten every last crumb of the hog roast, and moved on from the Market Eatery, an amazing aroma of bacon drew me towards the cooking at the Roundwood Orchard Pig Farm stall,       where fat sausages and pork steaks were sizzling on a griddle.  All their pork comes from orchard reared pigs on a diet that includes apples and pears.  The meat is of the highest quality and I was assured that the animals are reared without the use of growth promoters, or in-feed antibiotics, and lead the best possible quality of life.  This corner of the market is certainly not for the vegetarians amongst us.  Everything on offer was from their farm, the relishes from the chilli stall and the bread from the market bakery - and that's what we all like to hear -  a market partnership where we know where all the produce has come from.  The food certainly looked tempting and I'll certainly give it try it next time.

The Happy Apple

Next was a trip over to talk Jenny at The Happy Apple who makes the most perfect Rowan Jelly.  I have had my own disasters with making this aromatic bitter-sweet preserve, but Jenny's jelly tastes divine and has a sublimely clear rose coloured tint.  She did let me know her secret ingredient and even offered me the recipe.  Not only does she makes jellies, but skillfully produces jams, chutneys and sauces too. Jenny also offers personalised wedding favours which I think is a fantastic and novel idea.  You can try all the flavours of her carefully prepared preserves, and she will offer advice on recipes too.  Even Jenny's super cake demonstration on the day using her blackcurrant jam was a roaring success. Clever girl this Jenny!!!  I am going to be in touch about your Rowan Jelly!!!!!

Pick-A-Lilly Cup Cakes

 My last stop was to talk to Kathleen Jitjarak of Pick-A-Lilly who bakes the oh-so-very tempting and delicious cupcakes.  Kathleen's cupcakes are proving so popular she had virtually sold every single one with still an hour of the market to go until closing.  Kathleen is a born and bred Tonbridge girl, and it's great to see her doing so well at her own local market.  Look out for her sister, who may also have a stall in October.  She will be selling a variety of silks including beautiful scarves that can be used by nursing mums.

Hog Roast

There are far too many stalls to mention, but I will say that they all come together to bring Tonbridge a hugely diverse variety of local produce in a relaxed and friendly market environment. And, just think, you can even cut down on your food miles - that has to be good. The next market is on Sunday October 9th.

 

TONBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET

 

 

 

Tonbridge Farmers Market 11^th September 2011

and then the 2nd Sunday of every month. 9.30am – 1.30pm

Sovereign Way, Tonbridge TN9 1RG

The biggest market yet!

 

 The 4th Tonbridge Farmers Market is happening on Sunday 11^th September.

 

With over 55 stalls booked in already this month it is going to be the biggest market to date. More producers are showing an interest so we may have a few more by the 11^th.

 

Customer numbers were a bit down at the last market but August and January are well known to have a lower footfall than the rest of the year. Most producers said their takings are going up month on month.

 

The Market Kitchen was again a great success last month with lots of the customers watching the demonstrations and also getting a taster of the food cooked plus getting an idea of what’s available at the market. Cooking this month will be Jenny from the Happy Apple, - she will be promoting the benefits of cooking with your children.

Brenda from Beech Dog Bakery will be "Cooking for your Dog" - the demonstration will show a healthy alternative that is actually cheaper than the vast majority of commercial foods. Beach Dog Bakery "Liberty" mix provides the core of the dog's meal providingthe balanced level of vitamins minerals they need to go with a raw or cooked diet. She will be cooking a selection of recipe ideas using meats and fish with veg pasta and rice. She will be making up the recipes on our leaflets and feeding guide included in the pack.... ...So bring the dog along for a taster.

Stuart and Lucy from Lucy’s Veal will be cooking using some of their great products.

 

Neil Scott our resident chef from The Globe and Rainbow will be making some wonderful dishes with produce he finds on the market.

 

Our charity stall this month is the locally based Fibromyalgia in Tonbridge Support Group. Contact details for the organisation are Group email:fibromyalgia.tonbridge@hotmail.com
Contact: 0844 887 2429 Dawn Weller, Coordinator - dawn_weller@hotmail.com

 

The market is actively looking for charities or local groups to take up the offer of a free pitch which is available at every market.

Customers wishing to get a reminder for the market can do so by emailing steve@tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk and just put reminder in the subject box or for a text reminder, text Tonbridge to 07557739903. Steve said “The reminder service is great, - It's so easy to let a lot of customers know when the market is on”.