After a week of freezing winds & frosty mornings, it was a pleasant surprise to wake this morning to the sound of birds twittering, calm, blue skies and sunshine.
Now, on Market day, we usually start just before 6am, as the set up for the market involves 3 trips with a trailer to transport all the gazebos and tables to the market site on Shaw Road (Kushoom Koly Car Park). As my old Freelander (with tow bar) had decided to give up on me last week, I had to resort to hiring a van for the transportation. As such, fewer journeys were required, and we were able to get started slightly later in the morning, with all gazebos on site in around half an hour. Big difference…..!
It was a swift erecting of gazebos and by 8:30, stallholders were beginning to arrive. The quiet Shaw Road morning was soon bustling with market activity.
Amongst Heaton Moor Producers Market Stallholders, it is common practice and very much accepted, that fellow stallholders are lovingly referred to by the products they sell.
So Paul, our Baker from Green Hut Bakery, is “The Bread Man”. Tracey, from Mininki’s is “Pesto Lady” etc, etc. As such, “Bread Man” (Green Hut Bakery) had sold out by 12:30 (more bread next time!!), “Coffee Man” (Coffee Circle) was grinding freshly roasted beans with amazing aromas wafting across the market. “Pie Lady” (All About Pies) had brought extra pies again to satisfy demand. “Pesto Lady” (Mininki’s) was tempting people with her beautiful homemade Pestos & Sweet Chilli Gloop (love the name!). Plant Pot Lady (Karla’s Parlour) had some beautiful new designs on display and was busy taking orders & requests, and “Pate Lady’s” (Pate & Wine Co) new Smoked Trout Pate was a huge hit, to name but a few……….
On the way to the market, the talented Ebb & Flow had been busy sewing buttons onto her lovely children’s fabrics (she just couldn’t help herself, and don’t worry, she wasn’t the one driving!). The Handmade Home and Some Like It Hot were slowly getting burnt in the glorious sunshine (it has been a while since we last saw any!). Charlie & Derek Dog Treats made new dog friends and Manchester Cheesecakes brought the most wonderful flavours of baked cheesecakes.
The Moocher satisfied everyone’s breakfast hunger with Scotch eggs, aided by Haycroft Meadow’s samples of their handmade sausages & venison burgers. Olive & Rose helped to re-stock customers with their skincare product supplies. Customers were contemplating their favourite Heaton, or area of Greater Manchester & Cheshire, with fun Mugs & Coasters from Design Sixty 4.
Jane’s Cakes, who enjoyed her first market with us, brought a wonderful range of cakes & biscuits. And, for anyone looking for gifts and cards & wrapping, we had Pheonix Cards, Vintage Kitsch, Sweetie Trees and Jewellery.
All in all, a wonderful Market Day, bringing the people of The Heatons & beyond together, in our little “market community”, full of friendly faces, shopping locally and supporting local businesses. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did – see you in May!
heatonmoormarket.com 