I love junk and wandering around finding unexpected treasures hidden away in the depths of South East London. I met a friend of mine this morning who has a similar fondness for random things, and an imagination that brings back to life items that have been thrown out ruthlessly by uncaring owners. Why not have the same attitude to objects as you do people and animals? With care, rejuvenation, a new look, and love, things can last a lifetime and in many different disguises. Granted this can’t apply to everything – I’m not sure how many times you can reuse, recycle, and reinvent toilet brushes.
We had plans to go to Battersea Car Boot Sale but a misunderstanding in days and times postponed that trip. It starts at 1pm on Sunday, not Saturday, for those interested. You should always have a plan B for unexpected mishaps and in South East London there are many places to entertain yourself on a Saturday Morning. Our plan B was Deptford Market.
Deptford Market, located on Deptford High Street, sells a range of goodies. Fruit and veg, bric a brac and junk are just some of the stalls you’ll come across. The market takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from around 7am until 4pm. Although, if you want to find the good stuff you should head there as early as possible.
We arrived in Deptford about 11ish after sailing through the hustle and bustle of Peckham and New Cross on route to the hidden treasure. There was a wave of vibrancy in these areas that carried us through to Deptford quickly, I do recommend that just going for a walk through Peckham and New Cross is a great swashbuckling experience. If we had landed at the flea market earlier we would have been battling other pirates looting for the treasure, I’ll make sure I’m early next time.
Saturdays are the day for getting your bargains from the flea markets offering all kinds of strange and diverse antiques and ornaments.
Here you’ll find tables strewn across a square piled high full of stuff. There is about 4 areas that dominate the traffic of people. You literally have to wade through things in search of what you’re looking for. I never know what I’m trying to find, so it quite fun just diving in, but you do come across some weird stuff. There was even a toaster with the toast still in it. Does make you wonder where the merchants found their merchandise. I don’t ask……
I’m sure there is haggling to be had although I tried to negotiate with one of the old merchants but was told that he would cut out my tongue (Punch me) if I asked. He had been robbed by 7 petty thieves earlier – I wonder what will become of them. I’m sure there is a code amongst the merchants and if broken you should run for the hills.
We picked up some picture frame and some random glass container things. Amongst the debris, hidden in the background, was this weird thing that looked like a cross between a deep-sea divers helmet and a stove. My friend thought it would make a great garden feature and base for plants to embrace…..if only we had a car. Next time.
We then relaxed at The Deptford Project Train, great cafe set on a refurbished train and a nice way to end the fury of the flea market. They have sandwiches, muckle cakes and drinks at reasonable prices. We just chatted, relaxed and watched the world pass by. Next door some craft stalls are selling some interesting handmade stuff and this is expanding as more local people try to trade their own products. The Deptford Project are developing the area and looking at holding many more events. I believe there will be a Silent Cinema in the near future which sounds interesting. I have just been in South East London for 2 months and I love this area. Glad we had a plan B, which probably turned out better than Plan A.
Aquaglass
