Shop Nailsea markets eco-friendly bags

JUTE bags promoting Shop Nailsea went on sale at the November farmer's market, just in time for the Christmas market.

Town councillors manned a stall and 'sold out' of their stock of 100 shopping bags by midday.

Pictured are market traders and town councillors John Wilson, Liz Frappell and James Tonkin with the bags.

The bags have been sponsored by Nailsea Town Council and Nailsea Chamber of Trade & Commerce and sport a Shop Nailsea logo and a picture of the bronze glassblower statue.

On the reverse the bags promote the four Nailsea markets; the monthly farmers’ market, the monthly craft market, the commercial Tuesday market in the Somerfield car park and the weekly Friday morning country market (formally the old WI market) at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street.

Mrs Frappell said: "We were amazed, we hadn't enough stock to satisfy demand."

Chamber chairman Gilly Chu said: "As well as being environmentally-friendly the bags will be good for promoting Nailsea for shopping and should encourage visitors and shoppers to the town.

"Shopkeepers in the High Street and town centre have all reported increased trade when a market is operating."

Farmers’ market manager Gina Provis took delivery of 1,000 this month.

She said: "The bags had been delayed in shipment they were due at the end of October."

The large jute bags retail at £2.50 and are made from reusable canvas with padded handles.

First launched in May 2008 the farmers’ market has become a firm fixture on the town centre shopping calendar.

Both the October and November market has been a great success with stallholders reporting a brisk footfall.

Mrs Provis said: "We had 22 plus stalls selling a variety of local produce."

There were stalls selling fresh meats, fish, vegetables, fruit and dairy products as well as homemade and specialist breads, cakes and vegetarian delicacies and an award-winning sausage producer selling his sausages cooked in baps."

The Christmas farmers' market is on Monday, December 21, from 9am1pm.

The craft market is on the same day, 9am -12.30pm.

 

Mrs Provis added: "Everyone should make a note that the festive December markets are on Monday and NOT Saturday.

"Father Christmas will be making a visit and there will be carol singers."

At the craft market at Somerset Square customers will be able to buy a whole range of last minute Christmas gifts for the family; there will be more than 15 stalls selling hand-crafted jewellery, pottery, wood products, bags, cards, photography, past coins and much, much more.

The canopies used at the farmers’ market are available for community use.

Anyone organising a fete, carnival or any other outdoor event may email gprovis@blueyonder.co.uk or call Ian Morrell at the town council office on 01275 855277 for more details.