Markets... long may they live

Earlier, I visited Spalding Market. It was pleasing to see the place so busy. There's something about the market I really like - the mix of stalls, the smells and the hustle and bustle make it a wonderful place to be. Amongst the stalls of fruit, nuts and spices, fresh sea food, antiques and books was a new stall selling freshly made curry. The smell was wonderful and it had attracted quite an audience. Good for them I say! They had an idea and it worked.
There are things an open market offer that I don't think you can find anywhere else. It's a unique experience. It's fascinating to know that many markets have been at the heart of their towns and villages for many hundreds of years, often held on a set day every week of the year. Much of what is sold is produced locally. That's really what I like to see... sausages made from locally farmed pigs, bread made from local grain, fruit grown in local orchards and food from local restaurants prepared in the open.
Walking through Spalding Market, what struck me was the amount of effort the stall-owners put in to making their goods look presentable. It's no easy job. They have to endure the earliest of early starts and often the worst of worst weather. Many run their stalls single-handed, constructing their stall, unloading their goods and preparing them for the likes of me to be prodded, sniffed and squeezed. These are good people, hard working and dedicated.
Shops are closing at an alarming rate. Walking through my local towns, I see so many shops displaying signs such as 'Closing Down' and 'Everything Must Go!'... It's sad. The market though seems to carry on, almost unaffected. Yes they have the same financial pressures we all have but there's something very reassuring about the market. It makes you feel that 'everything's OK'. They are there every week, their stalls looking neat, well stocked and immaculate. The same friendly sellers exchange banter with their 'regulars'. There's a bond that you simply don't get in a supermarket or large store.
For me, markets are special and I love them. Long may they live...