Bodmin Market makes a welcome return
The last Saturday of every month can now be marked on the calendar as the day to visit Mount Folly Square, where Bodmin’s very own open-air market will be held.
We are so pleased to see a regular market returning to the town, allowing the community to buy what they need from fantastic local businesses - from cheese, artisan bread, Cornish salts and fish, to pies, preserves, local produce and crafts - all under the protection of sturdy gazebos, gained through a joint bid of Bodmin Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce from the 'Welcome Back Fund'.
The first market in ten years took place in July and proved to be a hit with the community!
A wide variety of local organisations, charities and businesses had stalls, including Plastic Free Bodmin, FLEET, Bodmin Town Museum, Creative Designs & Accessories, Fins Delights, Moorland Distillery and Celtic Produce with refreshments by SEABOUND.
Bodmin’s mayor, Councillor Phil Cooper said: “Bodmin Town Council is committed to retaining a community element to this market and encouraging local charities and community groups to come along. We also welcome other organisations that would like to put on, for example, a themed market of their own, on another Saturday of the month.”
Cllr Jenny Cruse added: “I’m very pleased to see Bodmin has a market and wish it every success. Bring refill bottles along with you to replace your liquids at the Plastic Free Bodmin stall.”
The opening event was celebrated by singer Catherine Whatley, who brought the community even closer together by encouraging a sing-along to much loved songs.
One local man enjoying the market, Trevor Symons, recalled that it was 51 years ago that he ran Dannings of Trelawny Garden Centre fruit and vegetables stall at Bodmin market. He said: ”The worst thing for me was having to wrap cold and wet spring greens!”
Markets have been held in Bodmin for centuries, with evidence from the one recorded in the Doomsday Book of 1086. According to the Bodmin charter of 1563, markets in Bodmin are to take place on Saturdays. The original copy of the charter, written in Latin, will soon be coming to Bodmin from the national archives, which of course makes the wish to continue the tradition of Saturday markets in Bodmin very fitting indeed!
Amanda Bright, Community Services Team manager and deputy town clerk, said: “It’s about bringing a market back to Bodmin after a ten-year gap. We see the value of gathering community organisations and business to share the space and support one another. It brings much needed footfall to the high street.
“There are 12 stalls here today. Now we hope to take feedback and triple the size of today’s market. All stalls will be on Mount Folly and our contingency wet weather plan is to use Court Room 2 at Shire Hall and the large room at Shire House Suite.
“A big and successful market, that does not take away from shops along Fore Street and beyond, will enhance the town centre.”
Charities, community groups and businesses who want a stall at the market or to set up their own event, should contact the Community Services Team at info@bodmin.gov.uk or on 01208 76616.