Farmers’ markets across the county are encouraging visitors to bring a friend during Kent Farmers’ Market this month. We speak to June Chadband, who runs one of the county's longest running markets in Cliftonville and is preparing to celebrate 15 years.

“Let’s give it six months and see how it goes.”

That was how June Chadband and her husband Keith saw the start of Cliftonville’s farmers’ market – one of the first to start in Kent – back in September 2001.

Now preparing to celebrate its 15th anniversary this September, it’s clear Cliftonville was bitten by the farmers’ market bug then – and still is.

“When farmers’ markets started happening in the country and then Kent, we thought we’d have a go and see how it panned out. I had a job to get six stalls together back then,” said market manager June.

“After a couple of months someone said maybe we should leave it. Well, that was a red rag to a bull to me! Now we have 25 regulars and one who has been with us since the beginning.”

The multi award-winning market is home to food, drink as well as plants and is put together by June, Keith, their two sons Fraser and Matthew and two other volunteers each month. Held outdoors, each stallholder is under a marquee to allow for wet weather.

For around eight years the market, which is held overlooking the seafront, was also host to TV chef and Bake Off star Paul Hollywood’s stall, often manned by the man himself.

“It is about giving something to the community which is something we feel very strongly about. We have beautiful produce,” said June.

“I am so proud of my stallholders. They are friends and they are so nice. There’s a lovely atmosphere.”

At the next market on Sunday, June 26, there will also be a classic car show the same day and there will be a summer band concert on the bandstand, starting at 2.30pm.

June is a great advocate of the farmers’ market philosophy, although sometimes she admits it can be her downfall.

“Every time I say to my husband ‘I’m not going to spend so much’. But every month I spend about £50!”

THE MARKET

Cliftonville farmers’ market is held on the last Sunday of the month between 10am and 1pm on the Oval Lawns at Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville.
For details go to kfma.org.uk/cliftonville.

THE MONTH

Bring A Friend is the theme for this year’s Kent Farmers’ Market Month.

With dozens operating across the county, the markets are already booming, but more visitors are always welcome. Michel Roux Jr, patron of the county’s markets, said: “I want to encourage shoppers to act as ambassadors for their local farmers’ market.

"Word of mouth is the most credible marketing, because who do you trust more than your own friends? So please invite someone who hasn’t been before to join you and hopefully they will be converted by the quality of products and friendliness of producers.”

Markets across the county sell fresh, locally grown produce and you can pick up everything from fish to bread, beer and cider to handmade chocolates, jams, plants and crafts.