Archive - Thursday, 7 March 2002


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WI market set to close

TETBURY WI Market will not be opening again - ever.

An appeal for more producers to come forward to make the market viable has failed.

Jean Wheeler, WI market chairman, told the Standard this week: "We had an annual meeting last Tuesday and the decision was taken there.

"People were very sad that producers did not come forward."

The market started in the town 30 years ago and was held under the town hall in Market Place.

But last year, the market was hit by many changes, including the affects of foot and mouth, and it began to lose money.

Beryl Milson produced jam, cut flowers, plants and vegetables for the market.

"Things have been going down hill for the last few years.

"We lost a number of customers and producers and then the town hall was being refurbished and we had to move premises," she said.

"We had been running every week before the move and afterwards we joined in with the Farmers' Market, but this was only once a month.

"It bought a terrific change and we lost a few producers who left and went to Minchinhampton WI Market.

"It's a shame to close it but we've tried everything, adverts and requests for help and support."

Trish Bent, a member of the management committee, said times have changed and lack of support would not have been an issue when she was younger.

"We seem to find that the young people are too busy working to help and the old ones, like myself, are dying off.

"Everyone likes buying it but you've got to have someone to provide it."

The WI markets in Minchinhampton and Cirencester are believed to be running strong.