Oswestry Indoor Market – Celebrates 50 Years as the Powis Hall

Markets have been a major part of the trading and historical importance of Oswestry and have existed for many centuries. The first known Charter was granted during the reign of Henry II when the Town was known as Whiteminster. In 1262 a Charter was granted by John FitzAlan, Lord of the Manor To our Burgesses of our village of Oswaldestree.

The Powis Hall Indoor Market Hall was originally maintained by the Lord of the Manor, and was the Town Hall or Guildhall until premises adjacent were built in 1782. From this date until 1960 the building was used as a corn exchange, then as a butter and cheese market, and during the Second World War for emergency storage and for auxiliary fire service purposes. On the 11^th September Oswestry Indoor Market celebrated 50 years old at its current location.  The hall was reconstructed in 1963 to its present design and is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year.  Recently the market undertook an ambitious refurbishment and was awarded Best Local Council Market 2013.  The Mayor, The Earl of Powis and the Chairman of Markets all helped celebrate the occasion with both the traders and customers of the market.  This the newly reopened market back in 1963. 

Teresa Jones who has been in our market for 33 years and was recently awarded a long serving award by the Mayor Chris Scolfield and Chairman of Markets Mrs Cynthia Hawksley

Altrincham Forward Office Opens

Altrincham Forward’s new town centre office will open its doors for the first time on Sunday 19th May, from 11am to 3.30pm.

The office is in the former Chisnalls unit at 12/14 Shaw’s Road and will be the base for the Town Centre Team, led by Paul Armstrong - Altrincham’s newly appointed Town Centre Manager.

Matt Colledge, Chair of Altrincham Forward and Leader of Trafford Council said: “We are delighted that Altrincham Forward will now have a presence right in the heart of the town.

“The office won’t be fully operational until early July, but it is now ready for occupation and the first exhibition in the new community display area will open on Sunday. This is being staged by Local Creation, our local creative arts studio and workshop. We hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to pop into the office, visit the markets and enjoy the many bars, cafes and restaurants around the market area.”

The first few weeks will be used to set the office up properly, iron out any glitches and familiarise staff. A more formal launch will be held when the Town Centre Manager takes up his post in July.

It will be well worth paying a visit to Altrincham on Sunday 19th. The new office is directly opposite the Lower Market where the town’s first Student Market is being held by Trafford College.

Nearby Local Creation are having one of their popular Open Days and the busy, monthly Vintage, Crafts and Food Producers Market is in the main market buildings. Trafford College students will be providing music and entertainment throughout the day.

It is Love Your Local Market Fortnight, all part of encouraging people into the town centre.

Local charity Art with A Heart‘s “Tribute to Basil Morrison” exhibition will also be open at their new location in Norman’s Place.