Britain's Greenest Market!

Chesham Local Produce Market has officially been recognised as Britain's most environmentally-friendly market. The market swept the boards at the How Green Is Your Market? competition run by the National Market Traders Federation, winning both the Southern Region as well as the overall National prize.

The local market beat off stiff competition from markets as diverse as Hovingham Community Market in Yorkshire and Darlington Borough Markets to be crowned the greenest market at an awards ceremony in Barnsley.

Chesham Local Produce Market was established a year and a half ago in a partnership between Transition Town Chesham and Chesham Town Council. The market was founded on Transition Town principles, with the aim of making truly local food, drink and crafts more readily available to Chesham residents, thus reducing the community's "food miles".

The majority of traders come from within a 10-mile radius of the town and have the environment in mind when farming or making their products, from organic cultivation to tree-planting and recycling.

Julia Brammer from Transition Town Chesham, said "It is quite unusual for a market to be established on Transition principles, so we are delighted that the value of this approach has been recognised by the Federation."

The fact that the market also works to benefit Chesham's community made a big impact on the judges; one free pitch is given to a Chesham-based charity or community organisation every market and the market works closely with High Street traders to promote a vibrant economy in the Market Square area.

Co-organiser, Deputy Mayor Colette Littley explained, "While the market is relatively new, there has been a clear demand for fresh, local, high quality produce and the market has more than doubled in size over the last year. As the market grows, we will ensure that we stay true to the sustainable principles on which it was founded."

The market celebrated its double win at the special Christmas market on the 17th December. Performers from Shed@ThePark created a wonderful atmosphere and got everyone into the festive spirit with some flash-mob carolling! Stalls were decked out in their Christmas finery and Martin Parkes of Better Chesham judged the cupcake stall YummyScrummyCakelicious to be the Best Dressed Stall, winning them a hamper of local produce.    

Chesham Local Produce Market takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm in the Market Square. The next market will take place on the 28th January. For more information, see www. chesham.gov.uk or phone 01494 774842.