Village market open again - after 20 years

Ali Powell • Last updated 4 Feb 2009 20:56 0 Comments

THE Silchester Village Market will be back in business this weekend - 20 years after it closed.

The market was a regular weekly event in the village until it closed in the late 1980s, and when local resident Sandi Smithers retired recently she decided to try and bring back the good old days.

Villagers backed her plan to bring back the market and, with their support, the first has been organised for Saturday [7] at Silchester Village Hall from 10am-midday.

She said: "When I first moved here 25 years ago, the market was a regular weekly event and the whole village turned out. I didn't know anyone in this area at all and spotted a notice about the market in the parish magazine and we decided to go along.

"It was a great event to get to meet people, but in the end the market just seemed to dwindle and then closed.

"I've recently retired and I'm a big believer in community spirit and thought I'd see if we could get a market up and running again. The response when I suggested it was tremendous.

"Saturday's market is going to be bigger and brighter with homemade goodies and fresh produce. There will be something for everyone."

The market will meet monthly and there is also a special Christmas market planned. There will also be refreshments, jewellery, plants and toys for sale.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 01 Jan 70

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