A WIRRAL Farmers Market no-one thought could be a success when it was set up six years ago has scooped a coveted award.
At the BBC Food and Farming Awards – described by Jamie Oliver as the food “Oscars” – the group beat competition from similar markets across the UK.
It is the first time the Radio Four awards has had a Farmers Market category, reflecting the growing trend for buying locally-produced food and drinks.
The awards will be announced at noon today on Radio Four but the Wirral group has already started celebrating following a Wednesday evening ceremony at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Anne Benson, chairman of the market, which takes place each month at New Ferry, said they had been excited about the nomination and bowled over by actually winning.
She said: “It’s thanks to the brilliant work of the team of volunteers that the market has gone from strength to strength.”
She also paid tribute to Amy Brady who was instrumental in setting up the market but died last year, and added: “Also the New Ferry Regeneration Action Group – the idea for the market came about through the group as a way of regenerating the area.”
Since 2003, the market has put £16,000 back into the community around New Ferry through grants and financial support, one of the reasons for the award.
Last year, research carried out by The Mersey Partnership (TMP) showed the market had also been a major force for regeneration.
Its annual impact on the New Ferry area was estimated to be valued at £444,000 – and it also proved to be more highly rated by visitors than many other attractions in the borough.
The TMP report said: “The overall mean score for visitor satisfaction is 4.30, which is above average and above the overall satisfaction rates at Wirral events in 2005.”
Martin King, director of tourism at TMP, said: “Winning this national award is a terrific achievement for all the volunteers and supporters who have established Wirral Farmers Market as such a popular and successful attraction.”
Local councillor Steve Niblock, who has been involved in the market since its inception, has also called for a formal mayoral reception for the volunteers. In a letter to Wirral Mayor Cllr Phil Gilchrist, he said: “I feel that you might consider it appropriate to invite the members of Wirral Farmers’ Market committee and the membership of New Ferry Village Hall JMC, Wirral Farmers’ Market Traders and the New Ferry Regeneration Action Group to a reception at the Town Hall to celebrate this stunning achievement.”
THE next market is on Saturday, December 8, from 9am to 1pm. For more information visit www.wirralfarmersmarket. org.uk.
liammurphy
