Three dud stalls, but Penning says there’s a market

But he refuses to give up on the concept.

Consistency and weather are the biggest factors conspiring against the Rotary Club, the market’s coordinator explains.

As few as three and as many 12 stallholders have fronted-up on any of the four occasions markets have opened on Montague Street – a strip from which councillors last year banished the Lilac Committee from operating.

Those numbers don’t compare to customers and stallholders attracted by the once turfed Lilac Committee at its new headquarters over the hill on St Saviour’s Common.

Despite poor turnouts, Mr Penning believes the Rotary Club is building an event worthy of marking on the calendar.

“Our whole objective is to unearth local stallholders and local product,” he said.

“We’re still in the infancy of our concept. It’s not a month-bymonth prospect, building these things take a long time. That hardest part is trying not to be compared with an existing market.”

The Rotary Club’s two inaugural stalls were overshadowed by icy winds and heavy rain. This third was a mild success.

In response to low stallholder and customer numbers, market organisers moved the stalls from the first Saturday of the month to the second.

The Club’s event no longer clashes with the Lilac City markets.

Furthermore, Mr Penning explored indoor venue options as a cover for inclement weather.

Ultimately, success boils down to consistency over time.

“We’ve got to be patient. If we start becoming a gypsy market and moving around, we’re running a risk,” he said.

“Stallholders want consistency.”

Rotary Club markets next take place in Montague Street on the morning of July 12. The Lilac Committee equivalent runs tomorrow at St Saviour’s Common.