Market celebrates 50 years of selling
NORTH Wicklow Country Market was supposed to have a big celebration on Saturday, June 20, to mark its 50th birthday.
Unfortunately, the party itself had to be postponed, but the committee thought it would be fitting to re-open on that date, albeit under restrictions for public health.
One of the founding members, June Noonon, was there on that day and also on the market’s very first day 50 years ago. June produces a delicious selection of jams and marmalades.
Chairperson Jackie Quinn of Greystones has been a member for the past 20 years, along with her husband John.
The market is open again, but just for orders and outdoors only.
In all its glory, there would be teas and coffee enjoyed and chats had at the tables, and organisers hope to return to that set-up before too long.
‘It started in Kilcoole in the Foresters Hall,’ said Jackie. ‘It was being done up and they had to leave it, so it moved to the Scouts den in Greystones for a year or two, before moving out to Newcastle Community Centre.’
All sorts of produce can be picked up at North Wicklow Country Market, including vegetables, free range eggs, home baked goods, home made dinners, pies, pizzas, quiches and more, as well as a range of crafts and plants and flowers.
Jackie said that they have an organic grower and a couple of other suppliers, with a strict policy of no pesticides or anything like that.
‘A lot of older customers come to buy their dinners at the market and they’re set up for the week,’ said Jackie. ‘It’s all home made and nutritious, with the best of everything going into it.’
She said that the kitchens are inspected and HSE approved for producing anything on offer at the market.
‘Members do the cooking and the baking,’ said Jackie. ‘We have members who do different things, everyone has their own niche.’
There are around 25 members, each with their own particular skills.
‘We were planning a big party,’ said Jackie. ‘Everyone around would have been invited, as well as past members and anyone really who had anything to do with it.’
The day would have included live music, a few words of celebration, and the customary slice of cake, all during the usual hours of the market, 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m.
Sadly, that has been postponed for now but will take place at a later date.
Unfortunately teas and coffees aren’t being served at the moment, with the social side of the market part of it’s long history and huge success.
‘One lady said to me that she loves coming on a Saturday morning,’ said Jackie. ‘She said that it doesn’t matter what table you sit at, someone will talk to you.’
They hope to return to the hall on July 11, with orders remaining on vegetables but some other items available without pre-order.
In the meantime, produce can be ordered on 086 8034237, for collection at Newcastle Community Centre on Saturdays, between 11 a.m. and 12 midday.