The Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association (SMTA) hosted the annual visit of the Lord Mayor of London to New Spitalfields last week.
This year’s Lord Mayor, Alderman David Lewis, was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Theresa Lewis, his sheriffs and their partners on a tour around the East London site, conducted by SMTA chairman Chris Hutchinson.
One of this year’s sheriffs is Michael Bear, who worked closely with Hutchinson’s father Arthur on the relocation and construction of the new market at Temple Mills 17 years ago, and Hutchinson paid tribute to the “foresight of the people who put the deal together”.
He added: “The success we have achieved in those years has been unbelievable. It is always a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor to the market; because as tenants we are proud of our relationship with [landlord] the Corporation of London, and proud of our market.”
Hutchinson handed over a cheque for £500, donated by the market to the Lord Mayor’s appeal. He then paid tribute to Jim Heppel, who has served the SMTA as secretary for 25 years and is “threatening to retire” soon.
“Jim has Spitalfields running through his veins,” said Hutchinson. “First my father, then John Olney and myself have had great working relationships with him. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the tenants for the tremendous amount he has done for the market.”
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