Church Street Gems: Market Trader Of The Year Competition

Market trader of the year 2008

Following a record level of nominations sent in from visitors to Westminster's street markets, Church Street Neighbourhood Management are proud that two of the six finalists are traders on Church Street with the eventual winner (Paul Stein who runds a fruit stall in Oxford Street) pipping them to the post for 2008. Church Street's entrants are detailed below:

Grandfather Terry West (left), 55, has worked as a market trader for nearly 30 years.For the last three, he has sold fruit and vegetables at his stall in Church Street. Terry, who previously worked as a postman and a milkman, said “I’ve always liked the outdoors and working on a market means there’s lots of camaraderie between traders, it’s very sociable.” Terry said he had served celebrity Sienna Miller, who is a regular at the market as she lives nearby.

Terry's customers were keen to voice their reasons for nominating him; "He is a gentleman who not only sells extremely fine produce but also has the time for his customers. Particularly helpful to us pensioners".

"I would highly recommend Mr West. His stall is attractive in it's presentation, Mr West having taken the time and patience. His produce is of the highest quality. He is very polite and his manner is pleasing to all. In other words 'good old fashioned courtesy' something extremely rare today".

Abdul Karimi, answering questions from judge Cllr Audrey Lewis.

Abdul Karimi, 30, has worked in Church Street market for eight years selling electrical goods, household cleaning products and phone cards. Abdul fled from his native Afghanistan to England in 2001 as an asylum seeker after he was jailed and beaten by the Taliban for working as a trainee doctor in a hospital that also employed women.

Abdul is now married and has a four year old daughter called Husna. “I love being at the market. There are so many people, so many nationalities. In fact, when I’m not there I feel a bit lost. At the market, I feel like I’m back home because I know people and feel part of something.”