Page 19 - Market Times October 2024

FEATURE • MOLD 19
The town of Mold in North Wales, just across the border from Chester, is home to a vibrant Wednesday and Saturday charter market as well as a six-day indoor market. Nicola Gould reports on a market that is finding new ways to attract more shoppers and support the community
The small town of Mold in North Wales has a great market scene that just gets better.
The Wednesday and Saturday charter street market is thronged on good weather days, and the quality and variety of stalls bring out plenty of loyal shoppers when the weather is not so good.
All the pitches are taken, and the market fills the HIgh Street with stalls leading into Daniel Lloyd Square where there are more traders.
There is also a cheerful indoor market just off the square which is packed to the brim.
Senior market officer Peter Hayes has continued to build up what has always been a thriving market during his 10-year tenure. And the appointment of John Thomas as markets, promotions and engagement officer a year ago has brought new funding and impetus to growing the market and creating more opportunities for community engagement and support.
The Mold market story begins and ends with the tight-knit rural community of this vibrant town which nestles in stunning countryside beneath the Clwydian Hills.
In days gone by drovers would bring their animals from farm to market to sell in Mold’s Beast market.
The town’s charter dates back to 1732 and the market has been a mainstay of the town down the years. Peter and John both remember the market in its heyday. John said: “I had a job on the market when I was still at school helping to set up and
then take down. Then when I left school I started trading on the market, starting with pottery and ceramics.”
He traded for six years in the days when it took four weeks to get on the casual traders list.
After a varied career he applied for a new role with Flintshire County Council that runs the market. The post is
Peter Hayes, senior market officer with Flintshire County Council, is pictured (left) with John Thomas who has a new role with the council as markets, promotions and engagement officer
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