FOR market trader Ada Whitehead, working on the market was in the blood.
The 82-year-old, who retires today, followed in the footsteps of her mum and dad, who sold fish and chips at the market when she was a girl.
Every Tuesday and Friday Ada, of Mount Vernon Road, Ward Green, would stand at her stall at Barnsley Market selling second-hand clothes donated by people she knew.
She attended White Cross School, Worsbrough, before joining the staff at a sewing factory in Worsbrough, and then later became a stockroom assistant at Woolworth’s on Queen Street.
She said: “I started my job as a market trader 45 years ago when my son, Steven, was only five years old.
“My friend thought it would be a good idea for us both to get a little job selling second-hand clothing.
“I didn’t think much of the idea at first, but my stall was one of the first ones of its kind and was located behind the old meat and fish market.
“I was always busy throughout the day and most of my customers were older people wanting cardigans and jumpers.”
Barnsley market has changed dramatically due to the council developing the site.
Ada said the car park for the traders is ‘due to change as of next week’.
“The nearest car park that they would like us to use is too far away to be walking and carrying all the clothes to and from my stall - that’s why I’m going.
“It has changed over the years and there’s not as many stalls as there used to be but the staff have been excellent with me, always around to give a helping hand.”
Ada said she would miss being at the market each week, but she is going to ‘enjoy being retired’.
“I thought I’d be on my stall until I was 99.
“Pity my son Steven will not be taking after me - he’s a carpet fitter.”
