Wl markets are open to everyone, not just members of the Wl. Markets were started in 1919 to provide a place where surplus homemade and homegrown produce could be sold to the general public. The markets are held, usually for one morning a week, in towns and villages all over the country. The Wl markets must comply with trading regulations and all goods are sold at reasonable prices according to the locality. They are registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts and anyone, WI members, non-members, husbands, family and friends may apply to join if they have suitable produce to sell.
Markets fill many needs.
They encourage the production of first class produce and help housewives, pensioners, retired people, women with family commitments and home ties and many others to earn extra money. Many markets sell craft work and so help to keep traditional skills alive and enable many non-cooks or gardeners to benefit from their skills. Markets give the general public the chance to buy country-fresh, homemade food, vegetables straight from the garden and bunches of country flowers. They also provide a friendly meeting place between the town and country in the many places where they are held each week. New producers, who need not be Wl members, should contact the Controller of the nearest Wl market to find out what can be sold locally and how and when to bring it in.