MONMOUTH'S historic open air market, which has been held in Ahincourt Square for centuries, will be on the move soon, The Beacon can reveal. County planners have agreed the ancient market will move to a temporary new home in the car park, close to the old Monnow Bridge at the other end of the town, in a matter of months. The decision comes despite fierce opposition from traders in that area of Monmouth, who are concerned at the loss of numerous car parking spaces. One told The Beacon "We would be much happier if the market was situated in the area on and around the Monnow Bridge, that would have made much more sense". The move has been brought about by the massive facelift which is planned for the Shire Hall and its surrounds. An immediate casualty of the move is the WI Country Market produce and cake stall, which has been held in Agincourt Square for over sixty years.. Those involoved with the stall confessed that it would he too cold for their members to man a stall close to the ancient Monnow Bridge. In a letter to The Beacon, signed by the ten people who have manned the stall, it was stated: "Selling our cakes, preserves, plants and garden produce has not been all the market has meant for us. "Our customers have become our friends. We have shared your happy news and been there for you when life has been sad - and, you have done the same for us. "For 60 years the country kitchens and gardens of WI cooks have produced local food for the stall. For many of those years, the late Joan Edwards led the team and is still missed today. "Over the years the stall has been a meeting place for old friends to share their memories. We remember so many of their faces. We have enjoyed travellers' tales from all over the world and have explained to countless visitors what a bara brith is and how to eat a Welsh cake (the answer to that one, of course, is : anyway you like, as long as its in the plural. Few people can eat just one). "Since the livestock market was lost, the stalls on the cobbles and under the arches have maintained Monmouth's status as a market town. "When the renovations to the Shire Hall are completed we look forward to seeing a thriving market once again in Agincourt Square. Who knows? Perhaps a new generation of country cooks may even start again where we have left off. "Shire Hall winters have always been notoriously cold but we hope that you will remember that our smiles were always warm".
