Market Research

MARKET RESEARCH NO.5: Carolyn Hopkins, The Truckle Truck

Welcome to The Sherborne Market! What brings you here?

I’m incredibly lucky in that my profession is also my passion! I’m a cheesemonger, but rather than a ‘bricksand-mortar’ shop, I sell from a vintage Citroen HY van, so I travel around to markets and festivals. The Sherborne Market is already one of my favourite pitches.

Where have you travelled from?

I’m based in Shaftesbury, so not far.

Tell us about what you’re selling?

I sell fabulous cheeses and accompaniments. Most of them are British, many are local, and a few come from mainland Europe, but they’re all exceptional. With such limited space, everything I stock has to be the best of the best, so I’m always looking out for award-winners but also, new products, or cheeses and accompaniments, made by the smallest producers who you don’t see anywhere else.

Where and when did it all begin?

I started the Truckle Truck in 2018, after the delicatessen I used to manage closed down. As a peripatetic trader, I travel all over – my very first event was in Peterborough, and I’ve been to festivals in places like Lyme Regis, Bradford-on-Avon and Thame. Most of my pitches are closer to home though, like Shaftesbury, Wincanton and Sherborne, of course.

What do you enjoy most about selling at markets?

The atmosphere, without a doubt. Everyone, from customers to traders, is relaxed and friendly, and so many people stop by just to say hello, or to admire the truck. There’s a real feeling of a community among the traders, too, especially at regular markets, which as a solo trader is lovely to be a part of.

If you get the chance, which fellow stallholders here at Sherborne would you like to visit?

I’m a huge foodie, so I’m always on the lookout for interesting new products, or people doing the classics really well. And of course, anyone selling cheese would always catch my eye!

Where can people find you on market day?

My usual spot for The Sherborne Market is just outside the Abbey Pharmacy, at the bottom of Cheap Street.

thetruckletruck.com ___________________________________________ Every 3rd Sunday April – September The Sherborne Market Cheap Street, Abbey Green, Digby Road and Pageant Gardens @thesherbornemarket ___________________________________________