TAVISTOCK Farmers'market will bid farewell to its manager after a decade in the post this weekend and will be welcoming a new face to the role, writes Sam Hughes.

After ten years of management of the bi-monthly market, Maria Jones will be stepping down from the position due to personal commitments, but said she had thoroughly enjoyed her time in the job.

Maria started in 2004 as an administrator but quickly moved up to the manager's post, which consists of the everyday running of the market, liaising with local businesses, the community and councils as a way of protecting local producers and 'offering an opportunity for local producers to diversify'.

Maria said: 'The backbone of the market is the association of members, predominantly community leaders and business people and of course the team of stall erectors — if it wasn't for them, the market wouldn't happen.'

Maria said due to other work and family commitments, she would now be stepping down.

'It is now time for someone new to come and take the market forward into a new era. It always feels like a great achievement to turn up on a Saturday and allow producers to show off what we have to offer in the South West.

'I want to thank everyone for their support over the years, it has been a team effort from everybody — Tavistock as a whole.

'It turned from a job very quickly into something very heartfelt.

'The camaraderie and family atmosphere has been amazing. I will now become a customer instead but will be staying on the committee to offer any support I can.'

Taking over from Maria will be Liz Whitwell, whose first official day as manager will be this Saturday.

Liz originally worked as a logistics officer in the Royal Navy before leaving to have children. When her husband also left the Navy the family relocated to West Devon.

She said she has done 'bits and pieces' since moving here, including having a smallholding and selling some of her own produce and working with Transition Tavistock on the committee for an economic blueprint, which looks at how people spend money in the town and how that can be improved so more money is spent with local producers and local businesses.

'Having sold our own produce, I understand the difficulty for small producers.

'The market is running really well — Maria has done a great job. I hope to keep it going well and continue to attract people into the market and into the town. It's about working with the rest of the town and the pannier market to promote what Tavistock has to offer.

'I'm really looking forward to working with the market, it has been good to get to know all the producers.'