50 and out — market rader Michael retires

Michael Bray

A TOMMYFIELD stallholder is retiring after more than 50 years working at the famus Oldham town centre market hall.

Michael Bray (62) has spent his life in and around the market, starting out in his teenage years by helping traders load and unload their vans.

The Failsworth resident soon set about starting his own stall and at 15 he began selling second-hand goods, flowers, jewellery and books.

He then teamed up with James Lawlor to start their first tobacconist shop in the market 30 years ago.

Michael has recently sold Whittakers tobacconist but he is still helping out while he adjusts to retired life.

Move
He said: “The market has changed a lot over 50 years. I have many great memories from when I was a young boy coming up here every evening.

“I could walk through the market now and tell you everyone who has worked in each place over the years.

“But once you’re my age it is time to move on into retirement.”
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