ANNE Hande, who traded at the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market for a long time, has retired, with her last day being Saturday, January 31, and she has said she will now take some time to rest.

“I have been at the market for so long, it was time for me to retire,” said Hande.

She said watching the market grow throughout the years from modest, humble beginnings to the success it is now has left an indelible impression.

“It was a pleasure going to work on Saturdays, the people were great,” said Hande, who added that even during times when the economy was “not so great”, love for the market never waned.

Her memories include meeting different, wonderful people and making a lot of friends.

“I will be moving to the north coast to have a rest and that means no more markets,” said Hande jokingly.

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She urged market-goers and traders to never miss the superb Saturday mornings at Shongweni, which are “run by very organised people”.

Her words of encouragement to traders are to remain consistent even when the start seems slow.

“It takes a while for people to get to know you, don’t lose heart, it is a very wonderful experience,” said Hande.

Market manager Vanessa Fraden said during her many years (25) at the market, Hande was “always with a twinkle in her eye and warm rapport with her neighbours”.

“She embodies the original trader spirit – hardworking, determined, and resilient, with an innate ability to roll with the punches and always with a joke or two,” said Fraden.

@caxtonlocalmedia 25 years. Countless Saturdays. One unforgettable trader ✨ Anne Hande retires from Shongweni Market, a true original with a twinkle in her eye. #highwaymail #shongwenifarmersmarket ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

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