THE SUCCESS of Okehampton?s first outdoor farmers? market last Saturday has delighted stallholders. Local producers, who had been very keen to move to an outside venue from the Market Hall, are convinced that their new spot outside St James Chapel is going to reap rewards for the monthly event. Chairman of Okehampton Farmers? Market Association, Rachel Stephens of Curworthy Cheese in Jacobstowe, said she was really pleased with the first market. ?The turnout was great and lots of new people came to see it which is what we wanted ? the traders were delighted,? she said. The market had been running in the Market Hall since 2003, but had to move when the town council decided to convert the hall into a cinema after years of trying to make the markets work and struggling. It was the Farmers? Market Association who decided an outdoor market in the precinct of St James Chapel would be a good alternative location ? but it was also what local stallholders wanted, To create an attractive, weatherproof and easily accessible facility, the association had to find funds of £18,000 to buy awnings together with banners, signs, a new website and leaflets. Devon Renaissance and West Devon Borough Council stepped in with grant funding of £10,811 and £6,000 respectively. West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox cut the ribbon to officially declare the market open on Saturday and Okehampton College Big Band provided the music. Mrs Stephens said there was a really good atmosphere. ?We have a nice prominent position at the chapel and a lot of shops around us were pleased because the market drew people into the streets,? she said. Twenty stalls were set up on Saturday but there is capacity for five more. ?Another good thing about having the market here is that it helps the chapel, because we pay £5 a stall, giving them a regular income,? she said. Mrs Stephens said the weather stayed dry on Saturday but the stallholders were equipped to deal with everything ?come rain or shine.? Liz Abell from Devon Renaissance, which is a rural regeneration organisation, said: ?We are delighted that we have been able to contribute to the new outdoor venture. ?We believe the farmers? market is vital to Okehampton and for local producers and that the whole town will benefit from its new outdoor location.? Chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade Richard Appleby said an outdoor farmers? market was definitely good for the town. He said: ?I am really pleased that we now have a highly visible market which brings that traditional element of shopping back into Okehampton. ?I am glad to see we have good quality traders taking part because that is what is really going to sell it at the end of the day.? The market is open from 9am until 1pm and operates on the third Saturday of each month.
