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Lindsey Bareham's avatar

A seemingly dry subject brought to life and tempted a visit - Wood Green my closest - to appreciate. Thank you; a lot of work went into that.

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Gordon's avatar

Excellent read. Living in Luton as a postgrad the Arndale, and the market where you could buy *everything* were Saturday staples.

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Digby Warde-Aldam's avatar

Great piece – particularly relished the writing on Wood Green. Also Castle Market, which staked a claim to (very minor) pop fame when a shot of Sharon's Snack Bar was used for the cover of Richard Hawley's 2001 album Late Night Final. A brief google stalk confirms that the caff's sign was 'salvaged' and went on to sell for £100.

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Sue Sparks's avatar

Great piece. I know Wood Green well and the Shopping City is as you described a place where the local environment has seeped in. Unlike say Brent Cross. But in fact there was a plan to demolish it not long ago, along with the housing on top of it and the streets behind. The plans by Haringey Council to essentially sell much of the borough to LendLease were thankfully defeated by a vigorous local campaign though the Council continues its love affair with various developers (and Tottenham FC) in the name of regeneration (aka social cleansing). It also tried for a long time to close a vibrant Latin American indoor market in Seven Sisters.

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Cheryl  Queen of Markets's avatar

Fascinating and vital, thank you. Is there a link to the Angela Carter essay? I'd love to read it.

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Vittles's avatar

I think it is in the collection published by Virago in 1982 ' Nothing Sacred: Selected Writings' –will double check with Owen. - ed

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Cheryl  Queen of Markets's avatar

Thank you, I did ask him directly and he gave me the source

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