THE Melksham Makers’ Market returns on Saturday 29th May for its second market of the year.
Organisers of the market, Sarah Hillman and Nicola Coleman, along with Melksham Town Council, say how happy they are to be back in the Market Place each month and how much they enjoyed seeing all the visitors at last month’s market.
“We were thrilled to see so many people out and about shopping in town for our April market and we’re hoping to see even more people for the May one, particularly as it’s on bank holiday weekend!”
The Melksham Makers’ Market is now in its third year and has been a resounding success, with all the markets now fully booked for this year.
Nicola said, “All our traders are local people who are running small, independent businesses from home, often from their dining room tables or from their shed in the garden, usually alongside a day job. The Melksham Makers’ Market gives them the opportunity to build their businesses and help them to make the step from side hustle to full time small business owners.”
Even before the pandemic, there had been a plea for people to support small businesses and to shop local, where possible. The monthly Melksham Maker’s Market is just one way for local people to do this.
Sarah says, “We’re so lucky to have so many creative and talented people in and around our town. Our regular traders include Katy Wilkinson (www.katywilkinson.co.uk) who specialises in handmade, contemporary jewellery; Happy Hounds Bakery (www.facebook.com/lyndsey.happyhounds) who supply all the lucky four legged customers with their treats; Sandridge Brownies and Bakes (www.facebook. com/sandridgebrowniesandbakes) who keep us all fuelled with their delicious cakes on the day (that’s if they don’t sell out!), and Amanda Humphrey (www.facebook.com/amandahumphreyceramics) who hand paints and personalises a wide range of ceramics.”
And it’s not just the artists and makers who benefit from the monthly event; the market brings extra people into the town on these Saturdays. Susan Fisher, owner of the Samovar Gift Shop in King Street says, “Our shop has more footfall when the Melksham Makers’ Market is on, and when there are other events going on in the Market Place, as lots of people come into town and then look around.”
The next Melksham Makers Market: Saturday 29th May from 9am – 2pm in the Melksham Market Place. For more info, please contact themelksham makersmarket@yahoo.com
