As a child I used to accompany my grandma to the Castle market every week so she could buy her buttons and wool for her new  cardigans and every time I recall the visits I am filled with happiness and I feel proud to have been part off that long gone[or so I thought] community. Many years later with the Castle market shut down and the demolition of its shell to be completed by November 2015 I decided it was time to visit the newer, modern version of the Sheffield market.

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Of course before I went I had to pay tribute to the Castle market and I am glad I did as the outdoors markets was still there and I had the chance to have a friendly talk to a few traders but I was shocked to find out that they was going to be leaving soon.

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At a first glance the Moor market and the Castle market seem to be the opposites in so many ways but that’s just the shell, the people and the community is still there. During my first visit I was surprised to feel at home so quickly with the friendly faces, the strong market smells and the mumbling of the customers, I can only compare it to the atmosphere I remember at the Castle market.

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Countless people still go to the market today whether its to buy fresh produce, to support the local traders or to be part of the very friendly and social community.

 

However no body ever comments on how the market has had to change and develop over the years to support the ever changing modern day high standards set by todays society. Yes, these differences may only be subtle but they are differences and they do matter. The easiest example I can give on this is its architecture; the way it has more windows than most indoor markets which may only be a convenient way to check on the weather to some people but to me it’s a statement that they want that market to have an outdoor aspect to it or are they just wanting to save electricity.

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In the end my opinion is yes its different, its had to change, develop etc. it may be new and modern but its still the Sheffield market it still has local produce sold by local traders and its still a friendly community but… I like it.