The ‘garden wall’ unveiling ceremony was attended by traders, MPs and friends of NCGM, with plaques commemorating individuals and organisations linked with the market as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations
Market traders, MPs and friends of New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) have gathered to unveil an iconic ‘garden wall’ as part of the celebrations around the market’s 50th anniversary.
The commemorative wall celebrates the heritage and community of NCGM, with personalised plaques for individuals and businesses who have longstanding relationships with the market.
Traders and market staff who were at the end of their Thursday night-Friday morning shift attended the first of two unveiling ceremonies at 6am, with a second event taking place at 11am.
Speaking at the unveiling, Marsha De Cordova, MP for Battersea, said: “The Market’s history as an iconic institution stretches back generations but with a bright future ahead as it continues to drive up our economy, provide much-needed jobs and is at the heart of our city’s character.
“The fact it continues to flourish is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the whole team.”
Also speaking at the event, chair of the Covent Garden Tenants’ Association (CGTA), Gary Marshall, said the wall is a big part of the efforts to mark the 50th anniversary of the market’s move to Nine Elms, in Vauxhall, south London.
“While we mark the fact that we’ve been in Nine Elms for 50 years, we of course have looked back on the heritage and history of this market,” he said.
“We’ve celebrated the people who have been so important here, who have done so much to shape this market’s recent history. I know that you, like me, are immensely proud of what this market represents and of the community we are all part of.
“This wall is part celebration, part commemoration. It has been created to give people and companies a permanent place to honour commitment, dedication, passion and love for Covent Garden fruit, veg and flower markets.”
Funds raised from buying the plaques have helped contribute £10,000 to the market’s 50th anniversary fund, which has added to the total of £100,000 that the CGTA has raised for its selected charities of Anthony Nolan, Trinity Hospice and Parkinson’s UK.
Chair of Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA), Wanda Goldwag, said: “One of the things that became apparent almost immediately when I first started in the role was how important the unique community of people within the market is to its success.
“It’s a community that has evolved organically through the centuries. There are also many names up there who will be responsible for the next phase. We have more than 150 traders operating here, most of whom compete with each other and many of whom trade with each other – but it is as a collective that New Covent Garden Market thrives. This wall is testament to many of the figures and firms who have got this market this far. Initiatives like this are important within the fabric of what a wholesale market represents.”
The wall remains open for additional plaque purchases.
Marshall added: “As you can see, there is plenty of room left for those of you who did not buy plaques to do so now. It’s an extremely easy thing to do and whether you want to remember someone you’ve sadly lost or highlight your ongoing relationship with New Covent Garden, The Garden Wall is a wonderful tribute to them and this great market.”
