Bishop samples produce from West Somerset Farmers' Market

THE Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Rev Peter Price, dropped in on the award-winning West Somerset Farmers’ Market to sample some of the local produce on sale.
The market, which is held every Friday in The Parade, Minehead, was packed with its usual array of fresh produce, ranging from locally-reared meats and game through to organic vegetables, fish, cheeses, herbs, pies, pickles and many others.
The Bishop showed a keen interest in the stalls and sampled some of the local produce and chatted with stallholders and customers as he made his way through the market.
Bishop Peter said: “The value of farmers’ markets is that they bring local people together and generate a real sense of community.
“They support local producers, give residents access to fresh produce, cut down food miles, which is good for the environment, and provide communities with local social events.
“As such, they are important for uniting and contributing to the social and economic well-being of our communities.”
Roger Webber, who runs Hindon Organic Farm, near Minehead, and is chairman of the market, said: “We are delighted the Bishop has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit the market to meet and talk to stallholders.
“It means a lot to us to have his support with regards to selling the district’s fresh produce to local people, and because of his recognition that markets like ours provide focal points for communities.”
The Vicar of Minehead, the Rev Simon Lloyd, said: “We are really pleased the market has been established in the centre of town.
“It is fantastic for local people and helps encourage trade and prosperity, which is great.”
West Somerset Council portfolio holder for economic development and tourism, Councillor Michael Downes, said: “We actively support the local farmers’ market because it helps sustain local businesses, which is good for the district’s economy, while also providing a popular attraction for tourists.”
The West Somerset Farmers’ Market is open from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm.

• Our photographs show (top) Bishop Peter sampling some of the produce from Hindon Organic Farm with Penny Webber (left) and Roger Webber; and (below, left to right) West Somerset Council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance, farmers’ market chairman Roger Webber, Councillor Michael Downes, the Right Rev Peter Price, and the Rev Simon Lloyd. Photos submitted.