June Farmers’ Markets, Get Your Fresh Produce

June is here, and with it the longest days of the year, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the prospect of weekend afternoons with nowhere to be in a hurry. There’s something about June markets that feels different; the produce changes as strawberries, fresh herbs, and new-season salads come into their own, and there’s a feeling that summer has properly arrived, not just knocked on the door.

Our producers have plenty of seasonal treats to show for it, and we’d love to see you at one of our June markets. We’ve also got three new producers for you this month: Evie Rose Kitchen, Pan Bakery and Nonsuch Mushrooms. Find out more about these below.

Haslemere Farmers’ Market

• Date: Saturday, 6th June
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Location: High Street, Haslemere
• Producers in Attendance: Click Here

Milford Farmers’ Market

• Date: Sunday, 21st June
• Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Location: Secretts Farm Shop, Milford
• Producers in Attendance: Click Here

Southsea Farmers’ Market

• Date: Sunday, 21st June
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Palmerston Road, Southsea
• Producers in Attendance: Click Here

July Markets

Here’s the July dates for your diary:

• Haslemere, Saturday 4th July
• Southsea Food Festival, Sunday, 5th of July
• Milford, Sunday, 19th of July
• Southsea, Sunday, 19th of July

Chairmans Note

Welcome to June, the gateway to summer. In Guildford today, we’ve experienced gales, blazing sunshine, and torrential downpours! Let’s hope that summertime sorts itself out again before our markets this month…

I’m putting a few words together while I wait for our vet. One of our pygmy goats needs help delivering, and I can’t sort it. The sunset was fantastic and the bats have overtaken the swifts as it’s starting to get dark.

An hour ago, in the goat paddock, everything looked great. The kids were jumping off their climbing frames and logs and racing around while the adults tucked into the rejuvenated plants. I noticed that our last goat to kid looked a little more tentative than usual, so I gave a little more attention. Her labour seemed to progress normally and then stopped. Something isn’t right. I’m generally very good at acting as a midwife to a range of species on the farm and can rectify most problems, but this one is going to need veterinary intervention.

As small businesses, the unexpected can have a significant impact on operations and finances, as they generally don’t have the resources and capital to fall back on. Bad weather or poor footfall can make or break a month. We all continue to be thankful for your support at Haslemere, Milford and Southsea, as it makes a difference to us.

Keep an eye on your favourite stalls, as there may be seasonal changes to what’s on offer. We are also joined by Nonsuch Mushrooms at Milford this month, something I’m particularly excited about. There will be a diverse range of these superfoods, as well as some excellent hot items. I can personally vouch for the mushroom pittas, one of my favourite lunches from Guilford Market.

Have a great month, eat well, and stay hydrated!

Luke
SWSFM Chairman, Owner, The Hairy Pig Company

Evie Rose Kitchen

Evie Rose Kitchen are joining us for the first time this month at Milford. In the words of Celine, the business owner:

I make delicious artisan bakes from my dedicated business kitchen in Waterlooville. On my stall you will find my popular New York style filled cookies as well as a selection of fudgy brownies and tray bakes.

You can find out more information on my website, including how to order custom cakes and postal bakes and you can also look up which markets you can find me at next.

I look forward to meeting you at my next market!

Pan Bakery

Pan Bakery are also joining us for the first time this month at Milford, where they will be bringing their artisan sourdough bakes. In the words of Stuart, the business owner:

From humble beginnings in lockdown in my two bedroom flat in Dorking, to my first commercial space, to now my third.

I’m a chef by trade but as covid set in and furlough loomed, I started making bread to keep me occupied. Firstly I gave loaves to neighbours and then took some to my first farmers’ market in Effingham. ‘Pan’ became a thing in August 2020 and is now more than 5 years in, with a presence at farmers’ markets most weekends. At the last count, 10 farm shops and delis now stock my products.

Nonsuch Mushrooms

Our final new producer for you, again at Milford, is Nonsuch Mushrooms, selling cultivated and wild mushrooms, mushroom quiches, arancini and mushroom pizzaladiere. From Ian, the owner:

After 35 years as a chef Ian Loynes has transitioned from the culinary world to the cultivation of gourmet mushrooms. In 2018, he founded Nonsuch Mushrooms Limited, a company dedicated to producing high-quality mushrooms and mushroom cultivation kits. Operating from Dunsfold, Surrey, Nonsuch Mushrooms has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Under Ian’s leadership, Nonsuch Mushrooms offers a range of products, including fresh mushrooms and DIY cultivation kits, catering to both culinary enthusiasts and those interested in home farming. The company’s innovative approach reflects Loynes’ passion for food and sustainability, ensuring that customers receive fresh, locally grown produce while supporting eco-friendly practices. You can now find Ian offering a vast choice of home grown mushrooms and home cooked foods on markets all over the South of England.