Hello everyone. I think introductions are in order. My name is Marketeer, last survivor of the three Marketeers. I hope you're a market trader, a market manager, their bosses, the market's owners or interested bystanders. Press, councillors, lawyers and members of parliament are, of course, also most welcome.I described myself as the twisted bastard offspring of the Greenwich Whistler, which is about right. Like a lot of people, I think Whistler is amazing. I've watched Whistler and been deeply impressed by their style and cool under pressure. The comments of Fudgepacker and friends have been poisonous and nasty, but Whistler has been calm and polite throughout. Sod that.
I've also watched market traders bullied, abused, divided, undermined, intimidated and reduced to tears. I've stood by while staff have been similarly treated. I've seen livelihoods wrecked, emotions injured and spirits broken. I've had to watch people in what was once the happiest market I've ever seen descend into misery and despair. It's hell.
You all know who's to blame but you can't speak up. Whistler knows who's to blame but apparently needs to keep an eye on the bigger picture and bring about change by persuasion. I respect that, and I'll leave them to get on with it. This isn't about the bigger picture.
I know who's to blame and I won't be quiet. I will speak up on your behalf. I will name names. I will make one concession to the Whistler's ways: I will only deal with facts - there's no need for unsupported rumour when there's so much that has been witnessed.
Right then. I'll kick off tomorrow. I am so looking forward to this.
