Cllr Geraldine Carter, President of the National Association of British Market Authorities, visited Knutsford on Thursday 11th April to celebrate Wendy McKay and Ian Emmess who have reached the milestone of 55 and 35 years of trading at Knutsford Market Hall, respectively.
Edwards and Emmess butcher have been trading since Knutsford Market Hall opened in 1964. Wendy’s grandparents were farmers and her grandmother set up a farmer’s stall which Wendy joined as a Saturday girl in 1964. The stall passed down to her parents (Wendy’s father was a qualified butcher) and Wendy joined them. Ian completes the story, joining from Gaskell Brothers (a pork and bacon plant in Warrington) and learning the butchery trade from Wendy’s father and sister. The stall as we now know it was established.
Speaking during the presentation with Cllr Carter, Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan, gave a heart-warming speech in front of fellow traders and customers, commenting, “Market Halls are at the heart of the community and Knutsford Market Hall is no exception. We have some exceptional, hard -working traders here who offer a service you cannot buy on line and we thank you for your support.”
Ian Emmess said, “All the traders are committed to giving good service and fine products to the public of Knutsford many of whom have become friends over the years”.
Wendy added, “I have seen many changes in the market hall since the sixties, but one thing remains constant. The relationship between traders and customers – we really are a little family, and long may it continue!”.
Cllr Geraldine Carter, presented Wendy and Ian with framed Certificates and gifts.
Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Shoppers at Knutsford Market can find everything for dinner from, fruit and veg and a great range of meat, poultry and fish. There is a café, a wine shop, children and women’s clothing, and a card and balloon stall.