The Market

You will no doubt have read the articles in the local press regarding the declining market:

Market Values

It is a sign of modern times I guess that values change as some of us start shopping using the internet going 'online'. Whereas I can buy about anything I desire on line (with the kind agreement of my husband), it does still deprive one of the personal contact with the shopkeeper, the market trader, the human being. A friendly word with the trader, a chat here, a nod there. The opportunity to haggle - don't you remember when you go abroad, the fun one can have just haggling? All that is missing when we 'hide' behind a computer purchasing our goods.

The effects of supermarkets going 'online' delivering to our homes may be convenient for some, but they effectively destroyed vital business opportunities and the 'human touch' that all of us need.

Of course I hear you say there are declining markets up and down the country suffering the effects of our changed purchasing habits, it may be more convenient to some, vital to have something delivered to the home for others.

With all this are we not forgetting why our town is actually holding a market at all?

Wellingborough received its market charter on the 3rd April 1201, when King John gave the right to hold markets to the 'Abbot of Croiland'and the monks. At this time, the right to hold a market was a highly valued privilege granted by the monarch to nobles who enjoyed his favour. Where such markets were held, people travelled from miles around to buy and sell the essentials of everyday life. Of course they didn't have access to the internet or cars and I wonder how much different life would have been for all of them and for us, if they had?

Towns grew up around the site of regular markets, and so did Wellingborough, and many of today's thriving communities owe their existence to the market it is said.

Let us remember the market when we stroll into town, have a look at the choices available and once again, let us have PRIDE to be living in our Borough of Wellingborough.

Please support your local market!