WELL the Goodwill Evening went superbly and the market at the Cornhill was even busier than I’ve ever seen it before (if that’s possible!).

It meant Saturday was a bit of a damp squib by comparison although as always in Stroud, the regulars aren’t put off by the weather and a decent day was had by most.

I’m sure I’m constantly going on about ‘best ever’ but this Saturday’s market is bigger than anything we’ve had to deal with before - an astonishing 65 traders will be squeezed into the available space this Saturday with the return of Naite Farm free range eggs to the square adding to the (wonderful) congestion.

There are a few stallholders who will be at the market for the last time before Christmas this Saturday.

On the crafts front it will be your last chance on the wonderful breadboards made by Woodchester Cabinet makers, the unique range of functional ceramics from Anne Sohn-Rethel, large ceramic bowls by James Hazelgrove, wonderful beeswax candles and pipe candelabra at Painswick Honey and the soaps, soy candles and new range of foaming bath oils from Cotswold Handmade Soaps. We also have a one-off stall from Otter Cottage Studios of Horsley this week (possibly in Threadneedle Street) with a range of handmade textile homewares.

Perhaps the biggest shout should go up for the fact that the very popular Sibling Distillery will be at the market on Saturday but won’t be back before Christmas.