Wereham, Sedgeford, Holkham at Easter, Sandringham Mothering Sunday: Donna Mackenzie of Norfolk Farmers Market interviewed in Lynn News Friday Feast

Friday Feast by Sarah Hardy

• Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Donna Mackenzie, the director of Norfolk Farmers Market. We launched in October 2022, and the company has just grown and grown since then.We organise monthly markets across the county which are proving very popular. They are free to enter and run from 9am to 3pm, usually in the local village hall.

• What gave you the idea?

I realised that I couldn’t be the only parent who had issues with childcare, and I needed a job that worked around school hours, something that I could be flexible with. We pride ourselves on being accessible to both stallholders and customers. Stallholders are welcome to bring their children along, and there is very much a family friendly feel to the markets.

• How many people are employed?

There is currently myself, plus our administration manager, Tricia, and Meg, our content creator, who also runs her own business, Olive Blossom, but helps us with social media and our website.

• How many venues do you now have and can you give us some examples of ones in West Norfolk?

We currently have between 15 and 20 venues across Norfolk. In West Norfolk, we have Wereham starting this month and we are due to start Sedgeford in April, and we are always looking to add more.

• Why do you think people love farmers’ markets?

I think people love to support local businesses. Yes, supermarkets are convenient but to have the chance to speak to people who have an in-depth knowledge of their products is so important. There are so many fantastic local products out there to try, from bath bombs to make up, clothes to handbags, cheese to chutney, and so on.

By supporting these local businesses, people are directly helping the local economy, rather than shareholders in massive corporations.

• What can people expect to find at your markets?

We offer a comprehensive range of produce, including the fresh produce which is synonymous with farmers’ markets. You’ll also find natural cleaning products, candles, clothes, and crafts. And we have pop up concessions such as coffee trailers and more.

• What made you think of offering both food and crafts?

Most markets tend to offer food or crafts, with no midway and, as a lot of the villages have very few retail outlets, we wanted to offer a full shopping experience. So people have the chance to buy meat, vegetables, breads, plus jewellery, artwork, plants and more.

• Is there an area or a village in West Norfolk you’d really like to be in?

We are always looking for new venues, and welcome enquiries!

• Any future plans?

In time, we aim to become full community events, with market goers able to meet their local MPs, police officers, use local post office vans, mobile library vans and more.

• Any other events?

We are pleased to announce that we are holding our first craft workshop evening on Wednesday, April 19 at Weston Longville’s Hall for All. There is a choice of workshops, followed by a three course meal using local produce from our stallholders. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets are £80 per person. Find out more by emailing farmersmarketnorfolk@gmail.com

• How can we find out more about where markets are?

We have Facebook and Instagram accounts @Norfolkfarmersmarketuk and a website www.norfolkfarmersmarket.co.uk

• Foodie News

NEW OPENING

Have you tried the Lemon and Rosemary Yard yet at Elsing? Run by two former employees at Creake Abbey, chef Abbi Saunt and food hall manager Alex Wrzava, the cafe/deli/restaurant is situated in the former Mermaid pub in the centre of the village. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 3pm, and offers breakfasts, lunch and lots of great cakes, as well as popular Sunday lunches. There are occasional themed evenings. Visit www.lemonandrosemaryyard.com

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Sandringham is holding a special Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea on March 19, with sittings available at both noon or 3pm. It costs £45 per person which includes entry to the garden plus sandwiches, pastries, scones and Sandringham own blend tea or Prosecco. The child’s price is £16.50. Visit www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

EASTER AT HOLKHAM

Holkham’s popular Easter Food, Drink and Gift Market returns on April 8 and 9, from 10-4pm on both days. The Lady Elizabeth Wing will showcase the very best produce, gifts and crafts from more than 50 local producers, with goodies including beer, chutneys, fresh breads and more. Outside sees a tasty choice of street food vendors so visitors can really make a day of it. Entry is free, with parking at £5 per day. Visit www.holkham.co.uk for more.

MARMALADE CHALLENGE

The annual Norfolk Deli Marmalade Awards are back this month – after a three year absence. The Hunstanton deli is staging the competition on March 25 and entries are invited! Entry is free and the winner receives a £50 gift voucher for the deli. Find out more at www.norfolk-deli.co.uk

• Sarah loves to hear your foodie news, contact her via newsdesk@lynnnews.co.uk