A MARKET which showcased traditional country skills and crafts is to close after more than 40 years.
The organisers of Barnard Castle County Market have taken the decision because they felt it would not be possible to resume trading due to the problems posed by Covid-19.
Held each week in the Parish Hall, it has been part of the wider Wednesday market in the town since June 1975, selling traditional crafts, jams and preserves, homemade cakes, biscuits and savouries.
Spokeswoman Beverley Pilcher said: “Teesdale is renowned for traditional skills in craft work and especially baking – the sumptuous chapel teas, food taken out to men in the hayfield and of course the weekly baking day to replenish the larder.
“Many ladies from the dale, and beyond, have been involved in the market over the years bringing jams and cakes made using traditional family recipes to sell.
“The popularity of the market was such that each week, for many years, there was a long queue of usually ladies waiting outside which began forming sometimes up to an hour before it opened.
“Crafts were always popular – particularly hand knitted socks and gloves in the cold weather. Handcrafted cards and unique pieces of jewellery added to a wide display of goods produced by the industrious ladies of Teesdale and the market was a showcase for skills which are now fast disappearing.”
The women who ran the market have thanked all customers for their support and friendship, especially those who visited regularly from places such as Sunderland, Stockton or even Hexham.
They have also thanked the ladies who have been part of the Country Market over the past 45 years for their hard work and dedication.
The Durham group of Country Markets has also decided to formally close both Sedgefield and Lanchester markets.
