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Eight weeks to go market's reopening

8/10/2008

TWO brothers who wrote a book charting the history of Ashton market are appealing for people to send them their memories to bring it up to date.

‘To Market, To Market’ by David and Philip Williams was first published more than a decade ago, followed by a special limited edition in 1998 which also sold out.

Now the historians, who have also written a book about Ashton’s Black Knight Pageant, have been asked by Tameside Council to publish it again.

They hope to include new chapters in the market hall’s history, such as the fire and the re-opening next month.

The brothers also hope to add people’s memories of the market and are appealing for readers to write to them with their stories and photographs.

David said: "I can remember my mum taking us to the market every Saturday. It has nostalgia for us and I think it has for the majority of people in Tameside.

"People used to go there, not just for shopping, but to meet people and have a chat. It really was the heart of the community and we hope it will be again.

"We will be there on the opening day, talking to people and taking photographs, but we would also like to hear from people about their own personal memories."

To Market, To Market is expected to be published in spring next year.

Call David and Philip on 343 3928, email historyonyourdoorstep@btinternet.com or write to them at 208 Smallshaw Lane, Ashton, OL6 8RJ.

Link: Tameside Council counts down to the markey hall opening