Stone will be hosting one of a series of floating markets in April as lots of roving traders convene at the canalside selling their goods.
The Roving Canal Traders Association says: “As pop up shops are very popular at the moment we thought we’d join in with float up shops!”
These shops are exactly that – the traders cruise or float along the canal, find a good mooring spot and literally open their respective shops aboard their narrowboats. The floating market first came to Stone last year and proved such a hit that the traders are back this year. Over the weekend of 24-26 April they are all assembling in the same spot above the top lock at Stone and the variety of goods on offer would make a perfect family day out.
Traders include –
The Grand Rosette Company owned by Mark Evans & Justina Bendelow aboard their narrowboat ‘Marmite’, producing high quality, affordable, handmade rosettes for kinds of celebrations and school/sports club events….with either standard centres or full colour metal badge type ones as well as ribbon plates and printed mugs.
Reverie is aboard narrowboat ‘Mr Jingles’, owned by Keri Leigh Poxon, selling hand made scented soya wax candles and other unique gifts made from metal in a steam punk style, which are all made on board.
Eyecatchers is aboard narrowboat ‘Norfolk Belle’, owned by Angela Denham, selling Ecover products including refills, hand knitted garments for 0 to 1 year olds, hats and wrist warmers for children and adults and hand made jewellery using beads, all at very reasonable prices.
Tea Junction owned by Tracey and Ray Arbon, provides a very welcoming respite alongside delicious snacks including both hot and cold food. Tracey’s Chocolate Guinness cake is a speciality, and a must to be sampled!
Jays 4 jewellery Soap and Crafts aboard narrowboat ‘Half a Shilling’ is owned by Jackie and Mick Warren. All their products are handmade and they take pride in the quality of items that they make and sell. Amongst their products you will find jewellery, soap, aromatherapy, soya candles, dream catchers, wind chimes, window crystals, decorative rope work and leather work. They are also agents for Miracle Leisure Products, stocking their Brass Mate/Bright/Gel and to compliment they make their own Tiller pins for boaters.
Crafts from Morgana aboard narrowboat ‘Morgana Le Fey’ is owned by Lesley and Ray Jordan, selling crocheted and knitted goods, handmade jewellery, patchwork items, rag rugs, fabric scarves, felt, embroidery threads and beads. Plus a limited supply of herb and flower plants and second-hand books.
The Home Brew Boat aboard narrowboat ‘Areandare’ is owned by Barry Teutenberg and Sandra Walsh and travels the waterways promoting both home and boat brewing of beer, wine and spirits. Barry sells all the start-up kits and products needed to make your own alcohol, and has plenty of advice and tips to get you under way. Brewing kits have come a long way over the last few years, guaranteeing great results every time by simply following the straightforward step-by-step instructions. Home brewing is a great hobby and a lot of fun, plus it will save you a bundle of cash!
The ‘Witchcraft’ narrowboat is owned by Jennie & Bill de Leie, selling crochet items, cross stitch items, braided necklaces, chutneys and some bric a brac.
The ‘Here Be Dragons’ narrowboat is owned by Kit Acott & Mike Byrne selling books, back cabin brass and china, medicinal herbs, plants and a range of essential oils, incense and apothecary supplies. Herbalist Kit Acott also guides herb identification walks along the towpath and runs workshops in her traditional style narrowboat back cabin.
The Art Boat aboard narrowboat ’Tonka’ is owned by Jan Vallance selling mostly small format art, cards, and small gifts and souvenirs such as badges and fridge magnets. Jan paints portraits by commission (humans and pets!)
Stone Floating Market is being held on the canal towpath above Lime Kiln Lock 30 bridge from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April, 10am to 6pm each day. All welcome.
All the markets are organised by the Roving Canal Traders Association (RCTA) and their full markets schedule can be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RCTAFloatingMarkets
