Mervyn Hawkins - Market Stall Holder

Portrait and interview - 1993

When Mervyn Hawkins left school in 1957, he joined his father at his fruit and vegetable stall held every Friday in Totnes market.  Each week, he still arrives to set up stall at 2 am, twice returning home nearby for two further loads.  As his father did before him, he grows his own vegetables and flowers at his Newton Road Nurseries just outside the town, but must rely on wholesalers for his stock of fruit.

He says that the market has changed beyond recognition in his lifetime, being once a place frequented by local farmers and people born and bred in the town.  He still visits some of them in a local nursing home.

Market trading has taken place in the town since 1131.  Before the old Civic Hall burned down in 1955, holders were allocated ten-foot-wide cubicles within the market square which were of a permanent structure.  Where the small carpark lies at the rear of the square, the 16th century Market House Inn used to stand.  It was a real community particularly for farmers.  It is during the last ten to fifteen years that Mervyn has seen the most changes, both in the tourist trade and the number of people from outside Totnes who choose to come to the town for their shopping.

He is quoted as saying, There is no comparison with the past, but I have to make do. It was never easy and that hasn’t changed.  I must still work hard for my money.

Update:  Mervyn has since retired and ceased trading.