Market trader’s fond farewell to historic fair

Peter Winder (kneeling) pictured with members of his family (from the left) Bryan Lockitt (brother-in-law), Maureen Winder (sister), Dave Strange (brother-in-law), Jack Winder (brother)

THE weather didn’t dampen the spirits of a family of market traders who returned to Road End Fair in Greenfield on Maundy Thursday for an emotional farewell.

More than half a century after helping his grandfather Jack Winder sell oil cloths and carpets, Peter Winder (64), set up shop in the usual location outside the King Bill pub for the last time.

Had it not been for Salfordian Jack’s carpets stall the traditional Maundy Thursday fair at the junction of Chew Valley Road and Kinders Lane would be a thing of history. The right to hold the fair dates back to the Magna Carta in 1215, but for it to continue one stall at least must turn up.

Peter’s grandfather continued to go during the war years and since then the locals have taken over the mantle.

Peter, who now lives near Bolton, said the fair had been kept alive by the support of local people.

He said: “It was a really special and emotional day out. I had a little bit of banter with the people and they remembered us selling oil cloths. The family is so pleased that the tradition is being kept alive by the community.”