Memorial plaque to honour James Hardman in Carlisle's Market Hall

James Hardman was a stalwart within Carlisle's Market Hall, running Margaret's Jewellery with his family ever since 1970.

The grandfather and father-of-two passed away at home, surrounded by his family on September 6, 2020.

His daughter Moira Czuczman, who still runs the stall, left school a day before turning 16 as she was so eager to work alongside her father back in 1974.

Moira has tried for two years to get her engraved oak plinth up in Carlisle's Market Hall, vowing 'never to give up'.

"It would be nice for my dad because he stood here for 50 years. Everyone calls him 'Mr Market', people still ask about him which is really nice. 

Memorial plaque going through planning to be placed in Carlisle's Market Hall (Image: Supplied)

"Everybody says it would be such a nice thing, a councillor used to say 'your dad should have a bronze statue outside Town Hall'. Everybody thought the world of him," she said.

"My dad used to say to me, if you seek my monument, look at Moira.

"I miss my dad so much, he was just someone special - he really was," Moira said.

James was devoted to his wife Margaret, who he met in 1955 in the Beehive in Whitehaven. Moira said her mum had to have him as soon as she first set eyes on him.

"I've never known anyone who cared for my mum like my dad did. He was such a brilliant dad," she said.

James will be remembered by many for meeting people with a smile and his dapper and clean-cut look.

Moira, who remains one of the youngest of the original market still in the outlets, said: "Everyone always used to ask why he'd be wearing a shirt and tie. He used to say 'would you go into Samuels with a man in jeans, no, you've got to look the part."

The erection of the plaque is currently being considered by Carlisle City Council.

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