Fissshhhh

Today we went to Harborne Farmers' Market and the indoor wholesale markets in Birmingham. The success of the former should, you think, equate in some way to the wider need for the indoor markets - but no, our enlightened city council has decided that these should be closed down. They've seen a way to sell off some central city land to developers and put some cash back in the coffers.

I am utterly disgusted at this. The markets are incredibly popular, are cheap, and quite possibly a lifeline to thousands of people here who have to live on little. They are a vibrant centre of the community, and are popular with tourists. They form the centre of our city, the wholesale market (next door) dating back to 1166, and the market halls from 1835. As a non-Brummie, they seem to me to be integral to the cultural heart of the place. A place where you can buy wool, tools, fish (so far from the sea), cow's feet, offal, live crabs, chicken's feet, whole pigs, fancy dress, spices, exotic vegetables, all manner of fruit, soaps, teas, tights, fabrics, halal goats and pretty much anything else you need.

If you have an interest, please read about it here and sign the petition.

These are mackerel, bought this morning, filleted at home and smoked this afternoon. Cheap and nutritious eating.