Community support vital for future of Carlisle's Market Hall

Margaret's Jewellery embodies the significance of such support while traders grapple with recently imposed issues such as a sharp '50 per cent' surge in service charges and maintenance issues.

Margaret's Jewellery first opened in February 1970 under the stewardship of James Hardman, affectionately known as 'Mr Market'.

A memorial plaque to James Hardman now proudly stands next to the spot he stood for fifty years. (Image: Moira Czuczman)

The legacy is now carried on Moira Czuczman, who left school a day early to start working alongside her parents, with her husband David. 

"We pride ourselves on trying to make customers feel special, that's how businesses survive," Moira said.

"People who are lonely come to our stall for a chat, even if they don't buy anything, it can be their only communication throughout the day - it's a service you can't buy on the internet.

"The abundance of delicious food in the market now is next to none, a fabulous range of worldwide food.

"The Market Hall still has so much to offer."

The once bustling Victoria-era market is now home to around 20 traders. 

Accompanying Moira's reflections are snapshots from the late 80s, capturing the essence of the market hall during a bygone era. 

Snapshot of Carlisle's Market Hall in 1988 (Image: David Graham)

"When I joined in 1974, 50 years ago in July, the old market was hustle and bustle," she said.

"There was a lady on the stall opposite who had a fruit stall and she used to make bacon rolls on a cooker, it was the proper market smell. 

"Farmers would bring homegrown produce and sell it on wooden benches all up and down the market.

"Everyone still talks about the market cafe, the good food, pudding, custard - it was great."

Another snapshot from the Market Hall in the late 80s. (Image: David Graham)

Moira even recounted running into Cliff Richard coming out of the venue's toilets as he was rehearsing for a gospel concert on site. 

"We've survived but we do need continued support from the public to keep us trading," she said. 

"'Use it or lose it' is the future of the shops and the market. 

"The golden days of the high street and market may never return but with a lot more help from the council and our managing agents, we would survive to give customers the service they deserve.

"We thank our customers from the past and the present from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us," she said.  

Cumberland Council has expressed its commitment to supporting the survival of the historic site, by liaising between traders and the property management firm, Ryden, going forward. 

In a previous statement,  Ryden said: "We are actively engaged in conversations with our clients, the owners of Carlisle Market Hall, at this moment.

"We are not in a position to comment further but we will continue to deal with occupier queries as required."