**A Flourishing Market Strengthens Community in Rural Swansea**
Nestled in the rolling countryside on the outskirts of Swansea, Felindre has found a novel way to breathe life into its rural community. The Felindre Food and Crafts Market, which marked its two-year anniversary last Saturday, continues to charm visitors near and far, whilst offering vital support to the village’s cherished hall.
The market, which draws in more than 30 local traders each month, was a response to dwindling income for the Felindre Village Hall. Rhian Ivey, who helped found the market, had a personal stake in revitalising the area. Although she now works in finance in London, Felindre is the place of her childhood and remains close to her heart. Motivated by a need to safeguard the village hall for future generations—and inspired by her own foray into craft markets with her candle business, HollyStar Candle Company—she and a dedicated committee set to work on making the market a reality.
“The community had to get creative to secure the hall’s future,” Ms Ivey explained. “There just wasn’t enough financial backing, so we brainstormed ideas that would also bring people together.” The result has been an event that is as much about building social bonds as it is about commerce.
Held on the last Saturday of each month, the market blends the best of Felindre’s natural charm with both indoor and outdoor stalls—ensuring it remains a bustling affair whatever the Welsh weather brings. “We’re lucky with our venue,” Ms Ivey said. “It’s beautiful up here and the indoor space means we can make the market work come rain or shine. Every month, we see new faces. Just last weekend, one family had travelled all the way from Bristol to join us.”
The organisers are mindful to ensure variety by avoiding duplication among stalls, so a visitor will not find, for example, multiple cupcake sellers competing for attention. “Giving everyone a fair chance is essential,” Ms Ivey noted. “That way, every trader and customer finds something special.”
Among those showcasing their produce is Audrey Ivey—Rhian’s mother—who was born in Felindre. Operating the Gardd Arosfa stall, Audrey has brought seasonal vegetables and herbs, such as rhubarb and potatoes, from her own garden. She engages warmly with market-goers, offering tips and stories along with fresh local produce. “I chat with everyone and they sometimes come to me with gardening questions,” she said, excitedly anticipating new crops for future markets.
Crafters and artisans are at the event’s heart. Johanna Davison, a silversmith from Morriston, trades under the name Joon Silver. She described the market as more than just an economic opportunity. “It’s really a social event and a day out for the community. Customers appreciate that the jewellery is handcrafted—sometimes even noticing the marks of hard work on my hands!”
Farmers Glyn and Sue Morgan, who help oversee the hall, supply locally-reared lamb and beef, while hot food is another crowd-pleaser, such as offerings from Mochyn Mawr, which serves pork dishes cooked onsite. For volunteers like Paul Northcote, who assists with everything from parking to greeting guests, the market represents a labour of love rooted in local pride. The event even welcomes occasional special attractions, such as visits from Morriston firefighters—always a delight for the area’s younger residents.
Income generated by the market is reinvested into the upkeep and improvement of the village hall, cementing its status as a community hub. Some funds also go towards promoting the market, further ensuring its continued growth and success.
Felindre, situated about seven miles north of Swansea city centre, has faced its own rural challenges, with the closure of its primary school and the absence of a convenience shop. Yet despite—or perhaps because of—the village’s remoteness, the market plays a central role in uniting the community. With the Shepherds Country Inn as its only other communal meeting place, Felindre’s market has quickly become far more than a shopping trip. As one satisfied customer put it, “There’s such a range of things to buy—and the quality is always top notch.”
In a time when many rural Welsh communities worry about sustaining their social fabric, Felindre’s market is proving that creativity and local cooperation can keep the spirit of village life alive.