Market trader calls it a day

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Sunday 23rd Dec 2007.

A STALWART market trader who has sold fruit and vegetables for 35 years is retiring this month.

John Covey, from Eastleigh, in Hampshire, has been a stalwart trader on the outdoor market in the Market Place, in Devizes.

Mr Covey, pictured, started as a market trader in 1968 and set up his fruit and vegetable stall in Devizes in 1972.

Since then he has battled through all weathers to get his fresh produce to the market.

Every Thursday Mr Covey's day starts at 3.30am with a trip to the wholesalers to collect his produce, and then he goes on to the market for 6.30am, ready for the busy day's trade.

Mr Covey, 67, said he thought long and hard about retiring but decided his health was more important and he is now looking forward to taking things easy.

He added: "There are only so many bags of spuds you can continue to lift. I will miss the market, particularly all the customers, traders and friends I have become so friendly with over the years."

The stall will now be run by his nephew Lewis Tait.

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