The Sustainable Wallingford volunteers were delighted to have an excellent pitch right next to the Pig Roast. The irresistible smell of roasting meat soon had the crowds heading our way and many were pleased to have a (free!) copy of “where to buy local - in and around Wallingford”. Another attraction was a chance to enter the Draw with prizes donated by the businesses listed in the directory. Anyone who shopped at their stalls could get a free ticket, so customers came to see what Sustainable Wallingford had to offer.
The main prize for the Draw was a big box containing local wine, beer, fish, beef and lamb, also eggs, vegetables, cheese, jam, honey, cakes, biscuits, a lovely potted plant and an ornamental cross made from willow.
The winner of this FM Box was Alan Fisher of Chalgrove. Mr and Mrs. Fisher come regularly to the market because they love the atmosphere and appreciate the high quality of the produce.
Second prize was a voucher for £10 to spend at Gary Smith’s Butchers shop in Benson. It was won by Joanna McKendrick of Headington. This was her second visit to Wallingford Farmers’ Market. She comes because the meat is so much better than in the supermarkets. She tries to buy organic food where possible. She thinks her mum and her dad will spend the butcher's voucher on some sirloin! Joanna also praised the variety of the local food, and being able to get food that she might not have had before. She mentioned getting wild garlic in her veggie box, which she wouldn't have bought normally.
A little basket of foods from the Cottage Kitchen in Benson was the 3rd prize and the winner, Sara Whammond, came from RAF Benson. She and daughter Charlotte (9) are regulars at the farmers' market in Wallingford. They also subscribe to a veg box scheme, so are keen supporters of local produce. Sara said "In this area it's quite easy to shop locally compared to other areas and the price is really not that different from that of the big supermarkets. We feel that we're getting food that is less sprayed with chemicals, which we're unhappy about, and we're also shopping locally."
Comments from people who came to the stall
Name: Linda Cook (aged 29) from Abingdon on reading our Directory
‘This is absolutely fantastic! I wish Abingdon would do the same’
Name: Val Mowlam. Profession was a Health Visitor now a Nutritional Therapist
‘I always visit the farmers’ market to get fish and fresh organic vegetables. These markets support the local community supplying fresh food that has travelled few food miles. I like to eat seasonal organic produce because it is more “alive”. It has the highest nutrient content, is free from pesticides and tastes better. I also shop at Green Bean on Saturday mornings and at Garlands in Pangbourne’
Name: Penny Kiley. Profession: editor.
'I believe that every choice we make as consumers has an impact on society, good or bad. (For example, the effect of ‘food miles’ on the environment, or keeping a local shop from closing down.) I sometimes feel that the supermarkets, because of their dominance, actually take away a lot of choice.
Buying local is a ‘win-win’ situation because it’s better for the environment and the community and it’s also great for you as a consumer. For me, the best things about buying local are eating with the seasons, trying things that are distinct and different, and knowing that I am supporting someone in my local community. My favourite ‘buy local’ moment: coming home from the farmers’ market with the first asparagus and strawberries for lunch and feeling that it marked the beginning of summer.
I hope this directory will encourage people to try an alternative to the supermarket and I think they will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and value of what they buy.'
We also spoke to Alison Robertson who is very interested in food/health issues. She said her husband James Robertson writes on sustainability. We have not yet followed up with a telephone call, but have their number and could probably get some comments if needed.
Distribution
The Directory will be distributed door to door in Wallingford by Sustainable Wallingford supporters on Saturday 7th May. Copies will be available at “down-to-earth” in Wallingford and at The Cottage Kitchen in Benson.
It is now on this web site.
This provides a page for each supplier with links to their own web sites where available and will be kept up to date to include new entries or changes.