Lockdown was a difficult time for Faversham Charter Market – the board and traders were worried about what the market would look like once lockdown measures eased. Would shoppers and customers return? Would the logistics of social distancing measures make it impossible for the market to continue?
David Simmons, the market’s chairman, says: “Despite our initial concerns, the overwhelming loyalty of local residents and Faversham’s shoppers has meant that market traders were supported throughout lockdown and beyond. Many traders offered home deliveries and box schemes – which were incredibly successful – and now the market is operating again, shoppers have continued to show their support and shop local at Faversham Charter Market.”
Faversham Market plays an essential role in providing the public with a great range of local and reasonably priced food, drink, plants, household items, clothes, toiletries and more. Many local people appreciate having the market on their doorstep and not having to journey further afield. The market is also a significant attraction to visitors and plays a vital role in supporting the town’s economy and encouraging footfall to the town.
Although, sadly, some stallholders have made the difficult decision not to return to the market for now, this has enabled traders from Faversham’s other markets (Best of Faversham and Faversham Antiques and Vintage) to take up pitches. The market has also welcomed some new traders including a pie and mash stall, a French clothing stall and new cheesemongers.
You will regularly find the following traders at the market:
Richard’s Plants (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday)
Samson’s Fruit & Veg (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday)
Simmons Fruit & Veg (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday)
Roy Yard – household goods (Tuesday and Friday)
Harry – ladies’ clothing (Tuesday and Friday)
John Bush – food (Friday and Saturday)
Wild Bread – sourdough bread (Friday and Saturday)
Kent Cider Company – local cider (Friday and Saturday)
The Cupboard Store – soap and household cleaning product (Friday and Saturday)
Stour Valley Game and Butchers – local meat (Saturday)
One of the challenges for the market has been reorganising its layout to accommodate social distancing. However, it now has agreement from Swale Borough Council to extend its footprint to allow some stalls to trade along East Street and West Street – so the market continues to adapt and evolve.
Faversham Market is run by a board of volunteers and much of the organisation’s management is also voluntary. They are very dedicated and working their hardest to keep Faversham Charter Market alive and well and serving local people every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for years to come.
For more details about any of Faversham’s markets, visit their website www.favershammarket.org
Update on road closures in the Town Centre
The pedestrianisation of the town centre between 10am to 4pm has caused much controversy in the town. There seems to be a divide between those who are enjoying the continental-style seating arrangements of the many cafes, bars and pubs spilling out onto the streets, but some shopkeepers are struggling with deliveries and some blue badge holders cannot access the shops as easily.
After listening to views from business holders and the general public, the Town Council has now asked for the road closure to be adjusted to 10am to 2pm on non-market days and 10 am to 3 pm on market days. A new loading bay has also been created at the rear of 12 Market Place to help with deliveries.
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