A Farmers’ Market due to take place this weekend in East Greenwich Pleasaunce has been cancelled with no news yet on when it might return.
The market made its debut last weekend to coincide with the official opening of the Pistachios in the Park cafe and received a generally positive reaction. But cafe owner, and part time actress, Lizzie Cooper tells me although the market was a “big success” it won’t be back at the Pleasaunce until a number of obstacles can be overcome.
Obstacles
Ms Cooper told me that the arrangement of the stalls had not been ideal with food being cooked too close to windows of nearby residents. If the market goes ahead in the future, the stalls will be arranged more sensitively, she says. On the question of parking, which has caused some concern with locals, discussions have taken place with Halstow Road School with a view to provide a parking area.
Apparently the council are generally positive about the prospect of a regular market there but it might not be possible to proceed because of the prohibitive charter of Woolwich Market.
Matthew Wall, Chair of the Friends of East Greenwich Pleasaunce, tells me that the Committee is supportive of a regular market but has yet to consult with the wider membership as to whether they would back the market. This consultation is due to start today.
So with the market planned for this Saturday not now going ahead, what do you think about the prospect of a regular Farmers’ Market in East Greenwich?
I would welcome a regular market at the Pleasaunce although maybe monthly not weekly. I don’t think we should be held over a barrel by some ancient charter for Woolwich market either.
We love the Pleasaunce and spend a lot of time there in the playground, by the ‘upside-down tree’ and at the cafe. We also love the idea of a weekly farmer’s market which would be much more convenient than the one in Blackheath. Hopefully the parking situation can be overcome. My only gripe with the Pleasaunce is that too many dog owners do not clean up their dog poo. Please clean it up!
I was looking for somewhere to start selling tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes so I’ll be very happy when the market returns!