Sweet success for first Caterham Farmers’ Market at the Soper Hall

Caterham’s first Farmers’ Market took place at the Soper Hall on Sunday and the town’s foodies were treated to an array of fresh, local food and drink from within a 30-mile radius. Despite the rainy weather, local residents turned out in numbers to snap up the delicious produce on offer and helped to support the restoration of the Soper Hall.

Stallholders at the inaugural event included Nutfield’s Chalk Hills Bakery, Halliloo Longhorn beef from Woldingham, ciders, wines and juices from Merstham’s Iron Railway Vineyard, artisan chocolates by Cocoa Bombon and handcrafted cakes from The Cake House. Bartie’s Sussex Faire and Green Apron served up a wide range of jams, chutneys and preserves and Godstone’s Glebe House had its home-produced honey on offer. High Weald Dairy brought along its ever-popular cheeses and SS Patisserie set out a stunning array of pies, flans and pastries. West Fisher Winery also brought its wines from just up the road in Chelsham and The Little Honey Bee Company rounded out the sellers with a range of honey and beeswax bath and body products.

The event was organised by local volunteer Charlotte Drinkwater and supported by Local Food Britain, whose founder Tracy Carroll greeted shoppers at the market. “I’m very pleased with how the first market has gone,” said Charlotte. “The event is important to support local producers – there’s nothing like this around here and the stallholders seem keen to support it as well as to support the Soper Hall. This is a small part of our plans to make the Hall sustainable and interesting for the local community.”

“It was great to see so many people coming out to support their local producers,” added Tracy. “It’s clear that Caterham has been in need of an event like this for some time, and we’re looking forward to seeing it grow into a successful regular market. This is not only a fantastic way for people to support small producers and their local economy, but as the proceeds are going to the restoration and maintenance of the Soper Hall, it will also pave the way for many more community events.”

Visitors to the market were just as enthusiastic. “I think today’s event is food-tastic – a good selection of produce,” said Julie Candy of Harestone Valley Road. “It’s all about buying local.”

The next event will take place on Sunday 3rd May, over the bank holiday weekend, and stallholders are looking forward to introducing even more of Caterham’s foodies to the fantastic produce available in their area.