Page 20 - MarketTimesDecember2021
P. 20

20
FEATURE • GAINSBOROUGH
  Simon Smoothey runs Gainsborough market for West Lindsey District Council
With a charter dating back to 1204, Gainsborough has boasted a flourishing market over the centuries, with the river providing easy access for produce from the rural surrounds.
Simon remembers it being a bustling, lively affair from his childhood, and the long-standing traders recall the days when stalls crammed Market Place, the central square, and spilled down neighbouring roads.
All the traders agree it has been a gradual decline, but on a good day, with up to 15 traders on site, it remains a decent place to shop and meet people.
Simon said: “Gainsborough is a lovely town and it is growing. There is a lot of
new housing going up. The town does have plenty going for it such as the historic Old Hall and we are on the River Trent.”
One issue, he said, was the town’s location in between three much bigger centres — Lincoln, Scunthorpe and Doncaster.
Simon has a good rapport with traders but he concedes he is not a marketeer. Whilst the market was reasonably full with 18 regular traders before the pandemic, it has taken its toll and the council decided to commission consultants to try to improve its fortunes.
Quarterbridge is running surveys of traders and members of the public to gauge their views, but it doesn’t take an
  Debbie Lowther is the key, watch strap and batteries lady on the Helen Jacklin sells socks, tights, knickers and hats on the market market
 Ian Morgan has been selling fruit and veg on the market for family business Barry Childers for 42 years, but the stall has been a fixture in Gainsborough for 67 years






















































































   18   19   20   21   22