Felpham farmers' market - Businesswoman 'overwhelmed' by response to plans

Rachel Higbee has ‘managed to secure Felpham Village Hall for the market, which is scheduled to open on June 12.

‘All being well’, the market will take place on the second Saturday of each month from 9am until 1pm.

Rachel, who has only recently moved back to her ‘home town’ of Felpham after running a business in Westminister for more than 20 years, said: “It is a lovely village and has a lot of potential. In the summer, it has the sailing. A lovely vibe.

“In the winter months, it needs something else.

“I suddenly had a eureka moment and thought why don’t we have a farmers’ market. I thought it would be really good for local trade.

"Saturdays are really quiet in Felpham, as people go to bigger areas to shop. I thought this would bring local traders into the area.

“I used Facebook to try to get the general consensus. The response was unbelievable.”

Rachel said she is confident her venture will be a success due to the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response, adding that the plans are ‘giving people something to look forward to’.

She added: "It started with a little idea in my head which took off immediately.

"I’m doing it for the community. It’s giving positivity, optimism, hope and light at the end of the Covid tunnel.”