The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding market stall holders Stuart and Lynn Dunn have served their last customers after more than 30 years in the town.
The couple have been familiar faces on their spice stall but are now looking forward to a well-earned rest.
Although a love of cycling, spurred by tickets to the Velodrome at the London Olympics, will keep them busy.
There are already plans for a two-wheel tour of New Zealand in January.
“We both felt now was the right time to leave. I have been coming to Spalding market for more than 30 years and we also do Stamford so will be my last day there,” said Lynn.
“It feels very strange, I have knots in my stomach as some of our customers have been with us since the beginning,” she added.
The couple, who have two sons and a daughter, trade as The Spicemarket but run Country Wholefoods.
Loyal customers were keen to wish them well on Tuesday and the couple said they would miss the people they have got to know.
“We are now serving second and even third generations. We will miss it, but it will also be lovely to have a lie-in,” said Lynn.
But the spice stall will continue as it has been taken over by Craig Lyons, who also has a stall on Stamford market.
“Craig knows all about food and the markets and it is in safe hands. I said I would call in and help for the first couple of weeks until he gets up to speed with the spices. Customers needn’t worry, the stall will still be here, but run by Craig,” said Lynn.
She explained how she and Stuart became interested in cycling during 2012.
“We got tickets in the ballot for the Velodrome and saw Jason Kenny win and receive his gold medal. It was a wonderful experience and prompted the interest.”
The couple, of Witham on the Hill, now own road bikes and take to the saddle as often as they can.
They also plan to take things a bit easy and travel often during their retirement.
“We have really enjoyed it and the people have been great but I won’t be sorry to miss the early mornings,” said Lynn.
“Over the years I have been known as everything from the nutty lady to the spicy lady.”
