Farmers’ Market Set to Celebrate

The town of Talbot will burst into life once again on Sunday 15th of March as the hugely popular Talbot Farmers’ Market celebrates it’s 11th anniversary market.

For over a decade farmers, bakers, makers and growers have gathered on the third Sunday of every month to set up stall in the beautiful heritage precinct of Talbot.  From near and far visitors descend upon Talbot, friends and families stroll the streets together, shopping bags slung over their shoulders ready to be filled with fresh locally grown goodies and gourmet products direct from producers.

“The Talbot Farmers’ Market was founded over a decade ago with seed funding from Victoria’s Department of Regional Development, plus financial and in-kind contributions from local businesses and individuals.” explains Jayne Newgreen, Marketing Officer.  “This together with a barrow load of dedication and energy from a group of passionate locals brought the first market to life in March of 2004.”  “We are really excited to recognise their hard work and celebrate the ongoing success of the market.”

One of the founding group that brought the market to life is Tiffany Titshall.  A fine artist, designer and passionate foodie Tiffany’s contribution to the markets success ranged from early mornings setting up roadside signs to designing the markets beautiful artichoke logo, which has become synonymous with the Talbot Farmers’ Market.  “I visit Talbot Farmers’ Market every month,” says Tiffany.  “I never miss coffee and yum cha whilst picking up fresh veg and bread.  I love to take weekend guests to the market. The town charms them and the size and quality of the market surprises them”.

“I love the atmosphere of the market – the music, the people and the variety of stalls.” Tiffany goes on to say.  “As a designer I particularly appreciate the attention to detail, quality and style that new food producers present in their branding, and to see that flanked with straw, chooks and veg straight from the soil in the back of a truck is the best of everything to me”.

Reflecting on how the market has changed over the past 11 years Tiffany says  “The market has certainly evolved.  It has grown and spread along Talbot’s streets and the crowds have followed.  I am proud of the role I played when I see the market flourishing.  I am always looking forward to what’s on offer next month”.

The ongoing success and longevity of the Talbot Farmers’ Market can be attributed to many factors, including the passionate local volunteers who work tirelessly to make the market happen each month together with two part-time employees who co-ordinate and promote the market.  The market would not be possible without the customers who choose to come along and support local farmers and of course the passionate producers, who attend the market every month with their produce proudly presented on the market stall tables.

Long time stall holder Frank sells stone-fruit, tomatoes, grapes and cherries seasonally at the market and while he could sell all of his produce at the farm gate he still chooses to attend the Talbot Farmers’ Market when the fruit is in season.  “My customers wouldn’t let me get away with not attending the market” says Frank with a smile on his face, giving you the impression he would miss catching up with old friends and customers as much as they would miss buying his fruit.
“A day at the Talbot Farmers’ Market is not complete without picking up a raffle ticket for your chance to win the popular ‘Barrow Raffle’,” says Lee Holland, the markets Co-Ordinator.  The wheel barrow overflows each month with produce and products, kindly donated by the stall holders.  John Wright sells his rare breed Large Black pigs at the market and will this month donate a pig to the hugely popular Pig Raffle. Raffle tickets are just $2 each and are available from the information marquee in front of London House on Scandinavian Crescent.
To complete the vibrant village atmosphere live music is played in the streets on market day, this month local musician Kim Ritchie will entertain the crowds.   Although blind since birth, through her passion for singing and enjoyment in sharing her love of music with others Kim has become a very accomplished entertainer.

Come along to Talbot on Sunday 15th of March (9am -1pm) and share in the celebration of the milestone market day!

For further information please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/talbotfarmersmarket