Nether Edge’s quarter-yearly farmers’ market is estimated to have raised around £2,600 for charity as it commemorates its 25 year anniversary on Glen Road.
The market held yesterday (26 March) celebrated the area’s flurry of independent businesses who each paid a fee to sell their products on individual stalls.
The stall-fee goes to Nether Edge Neighbourhood Group (NENG), who donates the proceeds to two local charities.
The last market donated half of the proceeeds to Sheffield Young Carers, which supports young carers and young people affected by drug and alcohol issues in their family. The rest went to Ben’s Centre, a shelter providing food and warmth for people who suffer from substance abuse.
“It’s always people charities. It’s always about the people,” said Marion Gerson, a volunteer for NENG.
Ms Gerson, who oversees stall-holder applications, described the team as “part of the glue for the community”.
“It’s quite hard work but I do it because I enjoy it,” she added.
This year, Sheffield businesses Beanies Wholefoods, Coocoo C’est Moi, Buttons Attic, JAM Artworks, and Autumn Harvest Mushrooms were among the many that made an appearance.
Ms Gerson said the day was really important for stall-holders, who usually perform well at the event as one of the best of its kind in the city.
Rebecca Wainwright, owner of Buttons Attic, also praised the market.
She said: “It’s always such a great event, a busy bustling market with wonderful shoppers and fellow stalls, I love it when my little shoppers are wearing my makes too – it makes my weekend.”
According to the Farmers’ Market Planning Group, the market began in March 2008 as a way of “putting Nether Edge on the map.” They hoped it would become a place for people to “meet, greet, and eat” alongside upholding the ethos of “thinking globally, acting locally.”
“It’s just a feeling of belonging. It’s actually one of the few things I find that has a sense of neighbourhood to it,” Ms Gerson said.
The market has been scaled down since the pandemic, meaning stall-holders have more space and less competition and tend to do well as a result.
The market has raised over £90,000 over the years, with this year’s final total yet be confirmed.
The next farmers’ market will take place on 18 June.
