Stroud District Council Press Releases

Back to the Press Releases index

New stall holders brave weather at Shambles Market

Release Date: 10 July 2012

Despite rain and drizzle last Wednesday, new traders turned out to sell their wares as part of National Market Day. As well as food stalls selling cup cakes and Chinese sweet and savoury baking, watercolour paintings and bowls made from vinyl records were on offer, and there was even a stall providing financial advice.

Councillor Roger Sanders, executive member for regeneration for Stroud District Council, said:

'The Shambles Market operates every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday but in recent times the Wednesday market has faded away. As part of National Market Day we wanted to help encourage budding entrepreneurs by offering low prices for the stalls.'

Over the past six months the market has not taken place on Wednesdays but last week two regular stall holders pitched up, accompanied by 10 first time businesses.

Stroud residents Cally Hunt and Michelle Ford set up a stall for their baking business 'Cally's Cakes' selling stylish cupcakes and larger cakes. She said:

'We've been in business for a month or so now and thought the Shambles market would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our brand new venture, we really enjoyed the day and had a great response, so would hope to return on a sunnier day!'

Terry Gillard of Stonehouse recently set up a financial business called Family Financials to help people with day to day budgeting, business paperwork and tax returns, and his stall was next to Cally's. He said:

'In the current economic climate we're keen to help people save money and budget carefully. Proper budgeting helps people make their incomes go further and this is more important than ever. I enjoyed my day at the market alongside a friendly group of traders.'

Nicola Atkin from Catkin Art in Cheltenham also turned up to sell her watercolour name paintings for children - each of which is unique.

Councillor Sanders added:

'Originally we were expecting 25 stalls but the rain was obviously a huge turn off, but 12 stalls was a great turnout. I'm very passionate about local people having the opportunity to sell their wares at local markets so we will be looking at further initiatives to encourage market traders and shoppers to the market to make it as successful as we can.'

Go to main press releases page.