MORE than 40 years ago, two women set up a small market at Morchard Bishop, selling just about anything. Over that time, several thousands of pounds has been raised for the parish church.

The two who set up the mini market were Mrs Marina Down and the late Mrs Gladys Taylor.

Mrs Down said: “Mrs Taylor made lovely cakes and sponges, we had bric-a-brac and we would sell things for people with 20 per cent going to specific projects at the church and the organ fund.”

The mini market has been held every Friday afternoon since in the Church Room, but no longer.

Instead of the mini market last Friday, more than 30 helpers and customers were treated to a cream tea at the Church Room as a final get-together.

Mrs Taylor’s daughter, Mrs Sonia Heath, explained: “My mother was a cook at Lapford Primary School.

“Lapford had a mini market she would go to after work. She had said when she retired she would do a mini market here.

“Both she and Marina were on the Parochial Church Council which approved of the idea and so they were able to use the Church Room.”

Sue Read