THE first-ever appearance of a genuine French market in Tavistock?s Bedford Square was a resounding success which will pave the way for similar events.
Eddie Carruthers, Tavistock Pannier Market reeve, said the organiser of the Marché de France, Marjorie Vincent, e-mailed him after the French traders had returned home to say how delighted they were with the three-day event.
He said Ms Vincent said she and the market traders were impressed with the welcome they received from the people of Tavistock and that they looked forward to a return visit in the future.
?It was a really good event,? said Mr Carruthers. The French market had definitely pulled extra crowds of shoppers into the town during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, he added.
Mr Carruthers said it was ?a pity? the pannier market had been forced to close during the Friday due to an electrical fire ? but he was still pleased with the success of the French market ? and the knock-on boost to Tavistock?s traders.
He is now in negotiations with with another continental market co-operative which, fired by the success of the French traders, hopes to visit the town in coming weeks.
This market includes goods from a variety of European countries, including Italian leather, Dutch cheese, Spanish produce and continental crafts.