Thame market trader still proud despite award disappointment

THAME Market Trader, Chris Hurdman, has spoken about the ‘great honour’ he felt to be part of a trio of finalists in this afternoon’s Great British High Street Awards ceremony in London.

Chris Hurdman, in the opulent surroundings of Lancaster House in London, with his Finalist’s certificate

Although disappointed not to be the overall eventual winner in his category, Market Retailer Champion, Chris said afterwards: ” I was of course absolutely gutted to not have won the Market Champion award. I have to take solace from being both nominated by the people of Thame and being the only market trader at the awards. It was a great honour to represent market trading and I will carry on working with the community to help keep Thame’s market and high street one of the finest in the country.”

But Chris, known locally for his cheerfulness and ‘can-do’ attitude, is not a man to stay down for long, adding later: “I must admit to feeling a little deflated. Never mind; the normal Chris will be back in play (at Thame’s Tuesday market) at 05:30 tomorrow morning!”

The Great British High Street judges awarded Nicola Martin, Tameside Markets, with the Market Retail Champion Award, and Beverley Milner-Simonds, of Burnham on Sea was Chris Hurdman’s fellow runner-up.

A full list of the Great British High Street winners, in all categories can be found HERE