HAMPSHIRE farmers' market traders took time out during their Alton market to present a cheque for £250 to the Treloar Trust. The presentation coincided with the successful move of the farmers' market to the High Street to attract greater awareness by Alton shoppers of the opportunity to buy fresh local produce direct from the producers at this bimonthly market. Hampshire farmers' market co-ordinator, Sarah Read, told The Herald: "Every year Hampshire farmers' markets makes a charitable donation to a Hampshire charity to show support for the local community. The markets are a popular and valuable resource for the local community and the Hampshire economy, and we like to show our appreciation of the community's support." Stallholder, Derek Price of Orchard Leigh Nursery of Bishops Waltham suggested The Treloar Trust, which provides education, therapy, care and independence training for young people with disabilities. Sixty years ago Derek was an inpatient at the then Treloar hospital for a total of five years, when he was treated for TB. Mr Price said: "Had I been born 10 years earlier, TB would have killed me, 10 years later and drug treatment would have cured me quickly. "As it was I underwent five years of treatment at Treloar to treat my illness, and suggested the trust to show my appreciation." Today, Derek Price is a regular stallholder at farmers' markets in Alton, Petersfield, Southsea and Winchester, as well as markets in Fareham and Alresford. Mrs Read added: "Alton Hampshire farmers' market has moved to the High Street to make the market more visible and accessible to shoppers. "The move was a resounding success - at our market on March 10, we had visitor numbers of 6,500 compared to the usual 3,000, and a number of stalls sold out." Hampshire farmers' markets run across the county every weekend, the next market in Alton is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, from 10am-2pm. Details are on http://www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk">www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk or call 01420 588471 for a free leaflet listing all 2007 market dates. More information about Treloar Trust can be found at http://www.treloar.org.uk">www.treloar.org.uk.
