Ludlow Market bids a fond farewell to long‑standing traders Christine and Gordon Link of Gobbett Nursery, who will complete their final day of trading on Friday 9 October after more than 40 years under the Buttercross.

Gobbett Nursery has been a fixture of Ludlow Market since the 1980s, beginning with Christine’s father‑in‑law and continuing through the dedicated work of Gordon, who grew and supplied plants for the stall throughout its four‑decade history. Christine and Gordon’s presence has become a big part of the Buttercross, offering high‑quality plants, friendly expertise and a familiar welcome to residents and visitors alike. They have always loved Ludlow Market for the quality and care that traders bring to their stalls, and Christine says many of their customers have become good friends over the years.

The couple will continue attending plant fairs across the country — including events as far as Liverpool and Cardiff — travelling with their two vans and maintaining the high standards their customers know well. Although stepping back from Ludlow Market, Christine emphasised that this is not goodbye: they plan to visit often, having made such good friends within the Ludlow market community.

Christine said she will particularly miss the camaraderie of her fellow traders, many of whom they have worked alongside for such a long time. Market colleagues and customers have expressed their appreciation for Gobbett Nursery’s long service, reliability and contribution to the character of the Buttercross.

Ludlow Market extends its warmest thanks to Christine and Gordon for their exceptional commitment and wishes them every success and enjoyment in their continued plant‑growing adventures.