onionbagblog

A lively Wivenhoe Farmers’ Market this month at the Congregational Hall along the High Street. @AnnaJCowen and I turned up with empty bags, and departed with fruit and veg, as well as an early Saturday morning ‘sing for gin’ session by the brilliant Boots and Bloomers.

Blimey.

The two charming ladies greeted shoppers at the entrance to the Congregational Hall, singing East End classics, plus the odd sea shanty thrown in. The music was almost hypnotic. It certainly put a smile on my face, and encouraged me to spend more around the stalls within.

Our favourite food had to be the Irish cheese soda bread. With the Farmers’ market sadly only a monthly event, the temptation is to buy up four loaves for the freezer every four weeks. It helped that the smooth talking purveyor of fine bread referred to the fragrant @AnnaJCowen as “the Snow Queen of Wivenhoe.”

Cripes.

Elsewhere and the range within covered all four corners of the pantry. Fruit ‘n veg, meat, cheese and a delightful craft section. Our bags were laden down with leeks (lots of leeks,) carrots, onions, apples and scones. Next month has already been pencilled in as a cheese and olive month.

With the wonderful new grocer down towards the Quay filling in the gaps for the remainder of the month, all that seems to be missing locally is a decent bakery. I’ve already tried in vain to try and tempt that lovely @bakermanisbakin and Di Lieto out towards the Essex wilds.

We left the Congregational Hall in the same manner in which we arrived - a song and a dance from Boots and Bloomers, and a huge smile on our faces. The fine ladies can be contacted on 0758 3145211, and are happy to take bookings.

The next Wivenhoe Farmers’ Market is on 20th November. To rent a stall, call 01206 367776. For further information or to volunteer help, call 01206 826226.