GONE TO MARKET

The last Saturday in every month there is a Village Market in Widecombe Church House. This market is unique in that it really does offer something to interest everyone. A showcase for local produce and anything that has a link back to the Widecombe Valley is available for sale from fresh, farm, traceable meat to local preserves, fresh eggs, plants, deli goods, speciality teas and coffee, olive oil, fresh breads and home-made pies and savouries, cakes; vegetables and flowers. There is also a large collection of hand painted and oak furniture. The event tomorrow will also feature an exhibition of Dartmoor photographic images for purchase.

The market attracts a wide cross section of people from locals to day visitors up to the moor to combine a walk and maybe a pub lunch with an opportunity to do their monthly meat shopping. Also, as a "honey-pot" for tourists, there are also items for them to buy and take home as gifts.

The first market was held as a one off last November, but was so successful that people asked for more. We now have quite a following and people put the dates of future markets in their diaries and even travel quiet some way to come up specially; Cornwall and Dorset for example.

From Holwell, we take our sausages, bacon, eggs and joints of pork. Our bacon is so saught after that there is usually a mad rush in the first hour and then it has all gone.

Poor little Batty Two took a turn for the worse today and is really not well at all. Having made such good progress in the last week, we now believe she has not recovered sufficiently internally to make a full recovery. She is back up to Bristol on Monday for a final prognosis, but it is looking very depressing at the moment.

The rain has finally come and started to make a difference; after such a long period without rain, the warm, wet conditions have seen a massive acceleration in the growth of grass, leaves, bluebells etc, so when it finally does clear and the sun comes out, the lushness of Spring will be magnificent; can't wait !

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