For more than 100 years a network of approximately 250 Country Markets across England and Wales has been selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts. 
Visitors to these markets can buy a variety of produce – almost anything local and seasonal that can be produced in a domestic kitchen or garden. 
Alongside the homemade goods some Country Markets also sell meat, fish and dairy goods, honey and eggs from local producers.
Country Markets are held weekly in a variety of venues in cities, towns and villages and marketeers also participate in Farmers’ Markets, town markets, county agricultural and specialist food shows. 
The producers pride themselves on keeping traditional home cooking, home growing and hand crafted items alive, as well as producing the latest fashionable produce. 
Producers who are members of this Co-operative Social Enterprise called Country Markets, are organised into local Co-operative Societies registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. 
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 16; the cost of joining is just 5p – the modern equivalent of an old shilling. 
Everything is sold co-operatively; producers receive payment at the end of every month for their sales, minus a small commission to cover running costs and insurance.
Country Markets aim to encourage the public to discover the diversity and deliciousness of local British homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables. 
They also showcase the skills and talents of local craftsmen and artists. 
Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of their markets, many of which have become popular, lively meeting places.
In Nailsea its Country Markets is part of the Making Local Food Work Project which focused on promoting community enterprise as a solution to local food needs; its aims to reconnect consumers to the land by increasing access to fresh, healthy local food.
Secretary Penny Roberts said: "Although a 100th anniversary event  Nailsea market is a more 'junior' member as we are only 47 years old.  
"The markets were formerly known as the WI markets and started in Lewes in 1919 as part of the national effort to try to overcome food shortages.  
"There are still 200+ markets in all areas the country and Nailsea once was run from the old TocH hall in Silver Street.
"Our market is  every Friday 10-11.15am at Christ Church Vestry Hall selling a range of home made and locally produced foods, crafts and plants."
On Friday, July 19, Nailsea Country Market joined in the nationwide centenary celebrations.
Customers were treated to free coffee and homemade birthday cake which was cut Nailsea Town Council chairman Jan Barber a loyal market customer.
Afterwards at noon a band of producers and customers planted a Centenary Rose in the flower bed outside Iceland supermarket aided by gardeners from Nailsea in Bloom.
More events and activities can be found on its Facebook page by clicking HERE and on the Food and Drink page on this website.