Arklow Visit 30/07/2011

Annie, Gertie and Vicky

Today I visited Arklow Country Market in Co Wicklow with the Regional Rep Pamela Henry. It is held  in the Pigeon Club every Saturday morning. I arrived into the large, bright, spacious hall shortly after 10.30am and was warmly welcomed by Gertie, Vicky and their latest member Annie.

My eye was immediatly drawn to a beautiful collection of vintage style cake stands. This is some of Annie’s work and is a very novel means of using up those decorative single plates and saucers we all have. Annie also collects Arklow pottery.

The company was established in the town in 1934 producing decorative earthenware goods and general table crockery. There is an Arklow Pottery cup and saucer with tiger stripes designed around 1950,in the National Museum of Ireland. The company ceased production in 1999.

Cups and saucers are turned into attractive candle decorations by filling with wax and wick. These can be returned and refilled for customers at a modest fee.

Customers and tourists called in to pick up Vicky’s lovely brown bread, Gerties fruit scones and to choose from a wide selection of jams. The market has a range of cakes, crafts, vegetables and eggs.

We enjoyed tea, scones, and a good chat with the members, they are looking forward  to their future and I wish them well.