Change is inevitable but when change affects people’s lives negatively and seems to be avoidable, then we need to wake up and smell the proverbial roses!
As a Roodepoort resident for the past 43 years and having spent many pleasant hours browsing around the Hillfox (B&B) Fleamarket, buying many well-priced and unique item as well as making friends with many of the stallholders, I feel it necessary to send this letter.
Over the past few years the market has changed from being a thriving enterprise offering many creative and talented people the opportunity to make some hard-earned cash. It has gradually become a depressing experience to go there due to the dwindling number of stalls, and a rather downcast attitude from many stallholders. It would appear that there is a serious lack of good management, if comments from various people are to be believed. They are concerned about the future of the market, and with no positive input from management about the plans going forward, things need to happen to keep them continuing to be prepared to rent their stalls.
Just a few of the original, loyal stallholders are still around, but Champion Heel and Key has decided to move to other premises – and he has been a big draw card for many years.
The food court does not encourage one to partake of the offerings as it is decidedly dull and shabby. The entertainers who sometimes perform must be very disheartened by the dwindling number of people coming to see them. Change needs to happen now, before we all lose this valuable shopping experience. We will really miss it when it’s gone. Maybe some interviews with the loyal stall holders could be of great interest and help?
