And the Winner Is ...

Vale Harvest, our local food market, has won the best farmers' market award sponsored by Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Life Magazine.

Lucy Brooke and Harriet Sullivan, two key players in bringing Haddenham's own local food market into being, attended the presentation ceremony at Stoke Park on Thursday evening, 19th November to hear how Vale Havest had done.

The nominations, as voted by the public in the Best Farmers' Market category and sponsored by Per Hire were:

* Beaconsfield
* Haddenham
* Maidenhead

The judges visited Vale Harvest in November and their assessments were based on some clearly defined ideals. The key to a good Farmers' Market is not only the range of produce and the quality of its stalls but also the principles that it supports — for example:

• Does it work as a co-operative with other farmers?
• Is most of the produce sold there grown or raised locally?
• Are the stallholders welcoming and knowledgeable?
• Is the layout easy to navigate as you move around the market?
• Are any extras offered on a regular basis, such as cookery demonstrations or talks?
• Is the Market well advertised so you can plan your visit in advance and is there good accessibility and parking?

Lucy and Harriet were absolutely thrilled to have won. As Harriet commented: "our win was really unexpected as we were up against two well-established markets in buoyant market towns. We couldn't have done it without the other committee members and of course, the continuing support of our stallholders and customers, come rain or shine!"

On behalf of the Haddenham community, Haddenham.net extends its warmest congratulations to everyone involved in creating and communication the vision and then bringing into practical reality the Vale Harvest Food Market — the award and formal recognition are very much deserved.