'I wanna tell you a little story' that's what dear old Max Bygraves used to say. My little story is just about how great market traders can be when times get difficult.
On Friday my van broke down, it was no big deal, the RAC soon came out and sorted the problem in their usual efficient and friendly way but it made me late for Diss market. I sent a text to a fellow trader explaining the problem.
When I arrived a trader was waiting to help me put up my stall. He helped with the frame and canopy and another female trader then came over to help me unload the van. I am not allowed to lift heavy stuff because of a spinal problem, other traders know this and woe betide me if I so much as look at a weight! So all was sorted really quickly and I could trade as normal.
Now this might not sound like much but it means the world to me. A lost day is bad enough, we often lose them to the weather but this day the sun shone and I would have hated to miss it. All traders understand how another feels in the same situation.
When I had serious problems with my neck and arms last year, I felt really bad about asking others for help but they would not hear a word of my protestations. For the past year they have all made sure I don't do myself any more damage and always check I am ok. These are true friends indeed.
It's not just me who has been helped in this way. Whenever a trader gets sick, suffers a bereavement or needs help, however much we bicker or moan the rest of the time, people rally to support them. This is always good to see.
Markets have their own little community and visitors help out in their own way too. We have people come and fetch papers or keep an eye on the stall, or while away the time with us. It's a funny little world but I love it!
Sometimes friends/family look at me strangely and say 'don't know why you do that job,' to be honest sometimes I ask myself the same question but it shows all sides to human nature, and humans truly are fascinating.
Don't believe the stereotypes of traders presented on Eastenders and the like, come find out for yourself!
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