Topic ID 1000
I really think that if all the market stalls were moved off from it, the whole area would look a lot better with tables and chairs supplied for all at Nero's, the White Hart and maybe even the Bakers and Cafe could have some outdoor seating. I guess the Winter is not quite the right time for it, but possibly food for thought for the Summer. And before the question is asked, no I do not know where to relocate the stalls, but personally I wouldn't be fussed if they scrapped the whole market anyway.
Reply ID 10968
quote:It's not, it's called Salisbury Square!
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
Obviously I know its called Market Square,
Reply ID 10969
So maybe move the stalls to Market Street then!
Reply ID 10970
Yes, mistake corrected. An even better reason not to have the tatty stalls on then.
Reply ID 10971
How about knocking down Barclays, Uglys etc and building a covered market behind the Corn Exchange[:)]
Reply ID 10973
When Jon Singleton was manager of the Stonehouse we used to enjoy a half or two outside the White hart and came up with the same conclusion as Victor. However this is not possible as a)it is a charter market and has a right to be there and b) there is nowhere else for it to go and c)the traders do not want to move even if there were. I am working towards getting all traders to have the same kind of stall, with canopies and coverings in same colours - yellow and white perhaps. I've already worked with Highways and the Market Inspector to provide power and/or lighting. So moving slowly in the right direction ie to have a market that is good on the eye and not what it becomes some Saturdays as if God had turned out all his spare cupboards and the mess had fallen from the sky on to the streets of Hertford.
Reply ID 10981
I'm with Victor on this one, for the purely selfish reason of not having to hear the bloke shouting about his toilet rolls as soon as I wake up every Saturday! [:D] Saying that, if the square moved on I wouldn't get the occasional treat of the Violin Player playing below my window. Now THAT'S a nice way to wake up.[8D]
Reply ID 10982
Will it ever happen though, its been like that for years. Even "Lords of the Bling" from EastEnders would be more welcome!
Reply ID 10990
quote:Didn't Kev Saunders tout the idea of a covered market at the Marquee Club some time back? Not sure if anything ever came of that.
Originally posted by Ray_by_the_Beane
How about knocking down Barclays, Uglys etc and building a covered market behind the Corn Exchange[:)]
Reply ID 10991
I suspect that you could re-vamp salisbury square - especially if you changed the access to Folly Island to the Hartham side. Bull Plain could be pedestrianised up through Salisbury Square and right up to Fore Street. put up no motor vehicles except for access signs by shire hall (not that anybody takes any notice of them anyway) The only downside would be the loss of the short stay parking in Bull Plain but having said that they are taken up by Market stalls on Saturdays anyway.
Reply ID 10992
quote:Definitely agree on this one, Victor. I've often wished there were more places in Hertford to sit out in the street. Other than Cafe Rouge and Serendipity, I can't think of anywhere else. Salisbury Square would be perfect.
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
I really think that if all the market stalls were moved off from it, the whole area would look a lot better with tables and chairs supplied for all at Nero's, the White Hart and maybe even the Bakers and Cafe could have some outdoor seating. I guess the Winter is not quite the right time for it, but possibly food for thought for the Summer. And before the question is asked, no I do not know where to relocate the stalls, but personally I wouldn't be fussed if they scrapped the whole market anyway.
Reply ID 10993
No, no, no, you are all supposed to argue with me, not agree, that's not the rules of the game!!!! [8D] But I think it would work even from early spring to late autumn with patio heaters ect. Sounds great doesn't it nice coffee and brandy out in the autumn sun, maybe a crepe stall in the corner on a saturday, hot roasted chestnunts ect ect. How long before this appears on the front page of the Mercury???
Reply ID 10996
And, of course, a New Fountain!!! (re-opens can of worms) [:D]
Reply ID 10997
And of course the shabby flats at the top of the Graveson's building. Has anyone seen the state of some of the windows? And I'm not just talking about the fire-damaged one.
Reply ID 11015
Victor that does sound good with patio heaters and crepes........mmmmmmmmm
Reply ID 11018
Its a real shame as it s a fantastic square, that could, withy the right amount of forethought really enhance the center of Hertford. I realise the market stalls have to make a living, but I don't buy anything from them so....................
Reply ID 11019
Victor, seeing as you are the senior prefect here why dont you write to the TCM and suggest it
Reply ID 11020
I dont need to, they read this site and so do the Mercury, so before long it will be suggested. We sow the seed!
Reply ID 11021
quote:And then they take all the credit for it!!!
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
I dont need to, they read this site and so do the Mercury, so before long it will be suggested. We sow the seed!
Reply ID 11024
quote:The shabby windows on the 2nd floor of Gravesons are all the same (fire-damaged) flat. I hear it's being sorted soon.
Originally posted by Steve
And of course the shabby flats at the top of the Graveson's building. Has anyone seen the state of some of the windows? And I'm not just talking about the fire-damaged one.
Reply ID 11030
This is all a spoof right?
Reply ID 11031
quote:Excuse me?
Originally posted by carlos fandango
This is all a spoof right?
Reply ID 11032
No Carlos, it was my suggestion, as I fed up with having to look at the shabby toot selling market stalls every Saturday. Get rid of the lot of it I say and either replace with decent stalls or not bother. Who wants to buy out of date batteries and tins of dog food from there anyway?
Reply ID 11033
I regularly check the dates on the batteries and I've not found anything expired.
Reply ID 11040
quote:
When Jon Singleton was manager of the Stonehouse we used to enjoy a half or two outside the White hart and came up with the same conclusion as Victor.
quote:Well I'm sorry Victor and Gill but I'm about two years ahead of you. It's fine to have an idea - a steamroller, thick skin and years of patience to put it into practice. Not to mention years of Spanish customs.
And then they take all the credit for it!!!
Reply ID 11045
quote:Spanish customs? Like a bull run up Maidenhead Street?
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
quote:
When Jon Singleton was manager of the Stonehouse we used to enjoy a half or two outside the White hart and came up with the same conclusion as Victor.quote:Well I'm sorry Victor and Gill but I'm about two years ahead of you. It's fine to have an idea - a steamroller, thick skin and years of patience to put it into practice. Not to mention years of Spanish customs.
And then they take all the credit for it!!!
Reply ID 11046
I think he means "Spanish Practices".
Reply ID 11053
2 years ahead, get your finger out then!!
Reply ID 11066
quote:Two years ago Victor I was just like you. Happy in a self employed profession a million miles away from Town Centre management, propping up bars and moaning about the world. Then two years later, 1 April 2005 in fact I'm appointed TCM. Now if you can find a way of raising about £50,000+ I'll speak to East Herts about purchasing and branding the market stalls and licensing Salisbury Square for alcoholic and non alcoholic use whilst at the same time convincing market traders who have been trading in Hertford for 20+ years that they'd be better off selling along Fore Street, which the retail traders down there might not be too happy about - even though it was used as a cattle market up until the turn of the century. Very easy to moan, very difficult to act. Ask some of the people who have tried to make a difference in this town. And whilst on the subject - what if i do pick up a few ideas from this forum. What you have to remember is that it is a two way thing and a lot of what does go on in this town that not many people get to know about, and is discussed here, comes from me. So in a very roundabout sort of way, everyone actually contributes to the town's development. I am in the process of setting up a website and asking admin for my own Hertford Town Partnership space on this site, rather like Ware. So, you'll all have even more chances to moan. But at least you will have the opportunity to moan, complain, register your disapproval (approval!) even if I take no notice at all. Admin - please note will be in touch once moved the mountain to Mohammed.
2 years ahead, get your finger out then!!
Reply ID 11068
quote:Sloop - I think Victor meant to add a smiley to this (at least I hope he did - I read the comment as one made in jest)
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
2 years ahead, get your finger out then!!
Reply ID 11069
[:)][:)] and a big dating game kiss for good measure! TBH not worried about the branding of the market, as I have said I would not normally buy anything from it other than the occasional bunch of flowers, Get rid of it and re brand Hertford !!!!!
Reply ID 11070
Oh and I was'nt moaning really. It was more of a wouldn't it be nice if, sort of topic. Just out of interest, was your appointment some kind of sick April fools joke? You sound a little fed up with the position?? [:)]
Reply ID 11082
Retail traders benefit from the market. I would imagine that a significant number of people who pass though town on foot during a Saturday go there because of the market. Surely in this economic climate any additional draw to the town is a benefit not only to the town but the independant trader's abilities to stay in operation. The idea of branding the market and trying to introduce an element of uniform smartness is a great one if expensive. It is also one I'm sure the market stall holders would understandably balk at should they have to pay the costs or contribute a significant sum. A compromise or initial step would be to introduce al fresco spaces throughout the town during non-market days and see how that goes before considering axing the market entirely. I do buy from the market,particularly the fruit & veg stall who are better than supermarkets for fresh, point of ripeness produce.
Reply ID 11085
quote:No just letting off a bit. Been a busy week. I actually enjoy the job. It's just that the official oppointment co-incided with the new financial year. And something to make you smile in view of some previous comments. The Mercury may be doing a sort of upbeat piece on the market for next issue. As there is a farmers market next saturday it should make for a good picture story. That's what i told them anyway.
Just out of interest, was your appointment some kind of sick April fools joke? You sound a little fed up with the position??
Reply ID 11105
Fresh produce and locally made goods should be what a market is all about. Not the toot on Maidenhead Street I walked past on Saturday.
Reply ID 11260
that'd be the Farmers Market you want then.
Reply ID 11263
Ill take what ever you want to call it as long as we can have tables and chairs outside on Salisbury Sq and I dont have to walk past stalls selling shabby merchandise every saturday.
Reply ID 11278
Victor has a point. The "Market" that is provided for by whichever charter from the 16th Century (or whenever) has evolved from a gathering of local farmers selling their produce - to what we have now. To be fair, the concept of a market has become compromised by central distribution and supermarkets etc.