Abergavenny, South Wales

On the very edge of the welsh valleys lies the historical farming town of Abergavenny.  Once made famous in a pop song by Marty Wilde.  The annual food festival is now an excellent reason to pay a visit, but you don't have to wait for that. 

Tuesday is traditionally market day in the old stone market hall. 

Sculptures hang from the Market roof

Inside on the old flagstones and outside on the recently paved area to the rear are stalls selling a huge variety of wares from rare coins and medals to shoe laces and enormous cauliflowers.  The sun is shining, primroses and crocus in bloom and the crowds fill the town.  Carrier bags and 'Bags for Life,' bulge with bargains.

Not an escaped chicken, just another sculpture

These days the seller in the meat lorry uses a microphone. Back in the early sixties, most stall holders in the outdoor market shouted their wares.  "Cabbages, lovely cabbages!"  "Removes any stain you care to mention. Just rub it on and watch the cloth disappear!"  Onlookers gasped as the "Cheap Jack" juggled baskets stacked one on another, containing china dinner and tea services without breakages.  "Not one dinner service, not two, but I'll throw in a tea set as well, all for this knock down price!"  After the excitement of buying, it was the customer's problem to carry them home.

"The Shunny Onion Man"

At the market entrance tradition is maintained.  The "Shunny Onion Man" sells his strings of onions from his bicycle.  Surely he doesn't peddle all the way from France these days?  In English I believe he is known as "Johnny Onions."  Only now, writing this have I made the connection.  Shunny - Shaun - John.  He smiles as I approach, and hides his half-eaten pastie when I ask for a photograph.  Unfortunately I do not need his onions as I still have the remains of last year's harvest in my garage.

Ample parking is located around the town and there are plenty of small local shops for clothes, kitchenware and unusual items as well as cafes and restaurants for lunch or your evening meal.

 

 

Furry hats for sale in the ancient Market Hall