East Leake

MARKET. East Leake’s new taster twilight food, drinks and craft market was a great success, and residents are calling for it to become a permanent feature of village activities.

The first event, held on the Gotham Road playing field, attracted several hundred visitors and by the end of the day a number of stalls had posted ’sold out’ notices.

The layout of the market area, carefully produced because of the coronavirus pandemic situation, looked impressively attractive and dozens of the visitors were quick to complement the organisers.

The market has entered the local events diary thanks to funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Strategic Growth Board and the dedication of the village Trader’s Association, parish councillors and local volunteers.

The market was given a five-hour trial on its first day and there was a constant stream of changing visitors who were able to visit a wide array of stalls offering local, fresh and homemade products. The event itself appeared on the village calendar after a four-month delay due to the Covid-19 situation.

In line with current government guidance, the site featured stalls that aided social distancing and provided visitors with opportunities to browse an eclectic range of goods and produce in a Covid secure environment.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance and Chair of the East Leake Growth Board Coun Gordon Moore said he was delighted the event had been developed, and that despite the challenges of Covid-19, that local groups had enthusiastically supported the project.

He said: “It’s brilliant that this market can now be trialled after the pandemic sadly delayed plans for this concept back in May, and that the organisers found ways to innovate and provide local residents with it.”

Organisers were keen to assess levels of demand so that they can explore further opportunities for a regular monthly event in 2021.

Hayley Masom of photography studio Captcha in East Leake was at the forefront of efforts to coordinate the market, serving on both the market committee and as a member of the Trader’s Association.

She said: “It was so exciting to be hosting this trial event,” she said, adding that she had invited local producers, traders and artisans to register and “we’re confident that the market offered something for everyone.”

The operating hours of 3pm to 8pm had been designed to make it easier for those visiting after work and this was a good move taking into account the steady stream of visitor during the early evening.

SCHOOL.