Marjorie McIntyre meets a woman who turned the loss of her banking job into an opportunity to set up on her own

WHEN Barbara Chrisp lost her job in the financial sector, she decided to go it alone and launch a business providing healthy fruit and vegetable packs to residents in hard-hit east Durham communities.

Armed with a small government grant and the backing of the Primary Care Trust, her Cabbage Patch company now supplies jute bags full of seasonal fruit and veg to individuals and organisations from Over 50s clubs to children’s centres and nurseries.

And her business idea is showing the first shoots of success because after only a few months Cabbage Patch has grown from strength to strength.

Barbara, who lives with her husband and daughter in Wingate in County Durham, was recently struck by another good idea – to help others seeking to sell their own produce at a weekly sale. She joined forces with Carol Crow, landlady of The Royal George in Old Shotton, Peterlee, to stage a regular Saturday market at The Royal George between 10am and 3pm where Barbara will sell her fruit and veg packs, and Carol will serve teatime treats and sell a range of her homemade cakes, pies and scones.

“We hope the market will become a successful venture and help bring local produce to local people,’’ says Barbara.

■ Tel: 07868-269253.

GET your wardrobe shipshape for summer. This season there are two ports of call for naval fans.

Either go old school with classic stripes and crisp cottons, or head for oversized nautical motifs as seen at D&G and Stella McCartney this season.

The Next red jersey blazer jacket is £28, the stripe George at Asda has a nautical spot silk scarf for only £5.

Pay what you want for designer gear

SECOND-HAND clothing has really taken off recently. Designer outlet shops have seen an increase in customers, dress agencies keep popping up in the high street and now you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to snap up designer gear for bargain prices.

BrandAlley.co.uk is a new website which sells designer clothes, homeware and beauty products for up to 80 per cent off the recommended retail price and it is holding a four-day fashion auction from May 15 to 18 where you can grab branded labels for as little as £1.

More than 1,000 designer items will be up for grabs and even though the luxury goods on sale will have a suggested price, you can either pay a lower or a higher price. All profits from the sale will go to the Help for Heroes charity.

All goods are genuine, come in their original packaging and are a result of excess stock.

helpforheroes.org.uk

FESTIVAL GOERS who’ve ever had to endure three days of solid rain and plummeting temperatures should give these new products a try. Outdoor company SealSkinz has come up with 100 per cent waterproof socks made from breathable Merino wool lining. There are also waterproof gloves and beanie hats.

sealskinz.com

Artists’ showcase

MIDDLESBROUGH’S Town Hall Crypt is to be the venue for another Designer Market Place, an event which allows artists and designers to showcase and sell their work directly to the public.

There will be a diverse collection of high quality contemporary merchandise ranging from clothes, accessories, art, jewellery and textiles to graphics, photography, ceramics, illustration and interior products. Most products are hand-crafted pieces made up by the stallholders.

■ The market takes place on Saturday, June 27, from 11am to 4.30pm. Entry is free. For more information, go to designersmarketplace.org.uk or call Helen Stevens on 07771-577672.