OVER 400 attended the first ‘Access for All’ market on Sunday 2nd February at the Cheese and Grain, a market designed to showcase Frome’s local shops to those who find it difficult to access them.
The market was run by Fair Frome, the group who run the food and furniture bank, food at Five and Holiday Hunger. Their Access for All Market featured stalls from independent traders and shops such as Hunting Raven, Millie Moon, Frome Yarn Collective, Beadz Bazaar, Fromie Gifts and Choc Et Al, as well as enjoying freshly cooked food from Tibetan Memories.
The event was aimed at supporting local businesses from Catherine Hill, Stony Street and Cheap Street to be able to share their unique and interesting wares with those that would usually find accessing their shops a challenge.
It was also a great opportunity for there to be plenty of discussions with local groups PACE, a social group for adults with physical disabilities, Openstorytellers, a group supporting those with learning and communication difficulties, The POD, who run a youth club and other social opportunities for those with additional needs and their families, COPD, who support those living with chronic pulmonary disease and Active and in Touch who help to combat loneliness and isolation.
Organisers said, “Many shoppers commented on how great it was to be able to browse easily, one explained that it had been fantastic to be able to see and touch items, as purchasing online did not give that ‘tactile’ experience.”
One shop owner in Cheap Street said, “It was a really fun day and it was great to see so many people there that we haven’t seen in the shop before.”
Karen Stewart, Fair Frome trustee said, “It was a fantastic positive event. We plan to organise another in the future, with more shops taking part and people enjoying the quieter stress-free shopping, we hope it may become a regular feature on the calendar’
Fair Frome’s ‘Access for All’ campaign started three years ago, with the aim of highlighting accessibility issues for those with any disabilities.
To date, they have run two public meetings to allow members of the public to share their issues around lack of access and have been working towards creating a better dialogue with shops and venues, looking at solutions.
If you are interested in taking part, either as a shop or trader, or would like to be kept informed of future plans please email fairfromeaccess forall@gmail.com
