Thames Ditton Farmers Market

Thames Ditton Farmers Market has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. From small beginnings in the car park of the George & Dragon pub, it is now very much part of the fabric of the village attracting hundreds of people to its monthly market.

Now held on the fourth Saturday in the month at the Mercer Close car park, it features a regular group of more than 20 stallholders offering everything from local foods, produce and drinks to local arts, crafts and fashion.

The idea behind the original initiative for a Farmers Market was to complement and support the High Street, encouraging local residents – but also those from nearby areas – to visit the village and enjoy a community offering.  Started by Tricia Bland (trustee of the Thames Ditton Foundation), Tracy Truelove, Jack and Jenny Avon and the then landlords of the pub, Mick and Megan Pearson. Of the original team, Tricia and Tracy continued at the helm until 2023 when with the Farmers Market re-established at Mercer Close and following Covid, they handed over to the organisers of Molesey Farmers’ Market and publishers of the Court Circular Magazine, comprising Janine Macqueen, Kim Craig and Alex Riley.  

Also part of the original volunteers and still contributing today, is local artist Andrea Cunningham who each month creates the themed Treasure Hunt clues, a free market activity (with sweets/ pencils etc as prizes) which is hugely popular with the children of families who attend.

Pictured are Tricia Bland, Mick, Megan, Adrienne and Alison reunited with Andrea and the new organisers – Kim, Janine and Alex

Stallholders

Food/drink

  • Stears Greengrocers: Fresh fruit and veg, along with seasonal bedding and potted plants. Fruit juices and jams
  • The Giggly Pig: Bacon and pork products, and hot cooked bacon and sausage breakfast rolls
  • The Salsa King: Tex-Mex salsa in jars; tortilla chips
  • Hilton Charcuterie: Locally produced British charcuterie
  • Isle of Wight Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, sauces and vinegars
  • The French Comte: Wide selection of French cheeses
  • The Sassy Apron: Cakes, savouries and bread
  • Bee Friends: Local, raw honey; honeycomb sections; natural skincare products; pure beeswax products
  • The Real Focaccia: Toasted focaccia and hot drinks
  • VJ Game: Raw meats and meat products: game, sausages, smoked and cured meats; fish; poultry
  • CulyArt: Homemade Spanish food; croquetas and Galician pies
  • Thames Ditton Gin: Local small-batch gin
  • Thames Ditton Brewers: Craft beers
  • The Bread Lady: French pastries and breads; savoury lunches and cakes

Designers, makers and other independent businesses

  • Rosella Style: Ladies European-brand clothing
  • Soaps by Aga: Handmade soaps and candles
  • Lisa Tolley Artist: Local artwork, prints and cards
  • Sarah Simmonds-Gooding: Greetings cards and original art
  • Handmade by Chloe: Gift items; acrylic products and personalized gift items
  • The Silver Sprite: Jewellery and chrystals
  • Belle and Mack: Fashion jewellery, bags, scarves and accessories
  • Andrea Cunningham Artist: Original art; paintings and cards
  • Thames Ditton Pottery Shed: Ceramics and glass; gifts and homeware
  • Noteorious: Funky notebooks

The Farmers Market is held every month on the fourth Saturday