Page 16 - MarketTimesOctober2015
P. 16

   Leonard Beaney, 24, (right) stands the popular fruit and veg stall, assisted here by Will Greaves. His grandfather started the family business and family members now stand markets across Kent and Thanet
 Peter Attrell is one of many characters on the market. Wearing a top hat, he sells tools, household goods and antiques
on his return from the third crusade. Thomas Becket arrived here to great acclaim on his return from exile in France, only to be murdered in Canterbury Cathedral.
More bizarrely, the first captive elephant came to Britain at Sandwich — a gift from the French king to Henry III.
All went well until a bull spotted the intruder and charged him — only to be dispatched in one fell movement by the offended beast.
Sandwich was the place where the first celery in the UK was grown by Flemish and Walloon refugees who settled in the town.
And more recently Pfizer UK developed Viagra at its plant in the town.
There may be something in the water, or an element of individuality and eccentricity that permeates the town, and the market has caught the bug.
It is full of great characters, and it’s not unusual for shoppers to be greeted by a trader playing the drums, and another, Peter Attrell, wearing a top hat bearing a notice saying “Silver and Gold, Bought and Sold”. He sells tools, household goods and antiques.
Run by the town council, the market moved from an adjacent car park to the ancient market square 12 years ago when seasoned trader Tony Donnelly took over its running.
Tony is a market trader’s market manager.
“I used to stand the market when it was over on the car park,” said Tony. The number of stalls had dwindled while it was managed by a private operator, so when the council decided to move it into the Market Square by the Guildhall they approached Tony to run it.
“I visited other markets to find more good traders to stand the market,” he said. He reduced the rent and introduced a winter rate for the less busy market season.
It took a while to build up, but Tony believes he now has a good mix of stalls and some excellent traders.
For a market that relies mainly on locals, the food offering is key.
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