It was still early for most produce, though strawberries were at the height of their season. Besides the strawberries, new potatoes, carrots, turnips, and homemade cheeses and jams, most of the featured items were handcrafts the village women had been making through the winter and spring months, as well as small trinkets and sweeties to tempt the children. Not that there was much money to be made. Barter was more common than cash. Nearly everyone grew their own potatoes and carrots. But it was a tradition of long standing, more social than economic in the life of the community. No one for miles would miss the first market day of each new summer, when all manner of local wares were available on the grass in front of the chapel and school building. It was not unheard of for animal flesh to trade hands as well. Nor would it be Wales without music! Though the school term had finished several weeks earlier, the children all came together on this day to sing from the school steps several songs they had practiced the previous spring.
What do You think about From Across The Ancient Waters?
