IT rained, the wind blew, floods were beginning to creep over fields, but still the traders turned up for the first Farmers’ Market in February in Crediton.

Some had been bemused by the road signs warning of the road closure of Crediton High Street, but they managed to get to the Market on the Town Square in the end.

Copplestone’s road closure did not help, especially when the traffic lights broke down.

The traders gazebos were roof only on the Town Square, none dared to hang the sides and everyone had to hold on for dear life to stop these from blowing away.

However, it was a cheery market with lots of orangey things about, lots of food ideas to include marmalade or oranges because, for the market, it was Marmalade Week.

This was the idea of Lori Reich of Shute Fruit, she makes at least five different marmalades, among other preserves, wins top prizes and had planned some fun around marmalade and oranges.

The weather and the road closure undoubtedly had a big effect on the market, as it has for the High Street traders. However, the “hardy regulars” turned up to shop.

Farmers’ Market Association Chairman, Sarah May of Red Ruby Devon Beef, based at Clannaborough, said: “We thank everyone who was intrepid enough to come out in the awful weather. Lori of Shute Fruit valiantly battled the wind and torrential rain to do her marmalade demonstration.

“She was ably assisted by Hils Fry’s son, Josh (13); he did a wonderful job of running the orange hoopla game, enticing shoppers to try their luck to win a fantastic hamper of foods donated by the stallholders. The winner was a little boy called Zephyr and his family.

“Hils of ‘Hat-a-cakes’, is our resident cake maker and she made the delicious ‘marmalade sandwich’ cakes that were being given away free to shoppers.

“Appropriate for the weather was Hils’ orange drizzle cake, although it was more like pouring than a drizzle.

“These were inspired by Paddington Bear, who she also brought along for an outing. There were several other marmalade inspired offerings on sale, from cakes and biscuits to chocolate orange bread and butter pudding.

“We have high hopes for the February 20 market when we dream of a light breeze, sunshine and blue skies - and lots of shoppers enjoying the High Street being open to traffic again!,” said Mrs May.

Clifford Bader of Yeoford was the storyteller at the February 6 market.

Sue Read