Much-loved Big Issue vendor given wooden hut at Christmas market: 'He's part of the family'

A Big Issue vendor is such a valued part of the community in Truro that he has been given his own wooden hut at the Cornish City’s Christmas market.

Nick Cuthbert has been selling the Big Issue for more than 18 years with he and long-time pet companion Bryony becoming a familiar sight outside M&S at Truro’s Lemon Quay.

After a difficult year in which he lost Bryony and replaced her with new dog Bracken, organisers kindly offered the pair a hut to take shelter while selling magazines this Christmas.

“It’s been good, the publicity’s been good, I’ve got Big Issue signs on it. You can see it all the way from the other end of Lemon Quay and it reserves my spot. It makes me part of the market on Lemon Quay,” said Cuthbert. 

“It was all done behind my back! A big thanks to them.”

Cuthbert’s popularity in Truro has only grown in 2024.

When he ran a competition to name his new puppy in July, the contest raised more than £1,000 for the animal charity that helped him get Bracken.

That inspired organisers to help him out this Christmas for the second festive market hosted in Truro.

Graham Bradshaw, chairman of the Truro Farmers Market, said: “Nick is very much part of us, he’s with us all year round so he’s part of the family so to speak. 

“We put ours up last year for the first time and it got a bit blowy and we saw him there getting bashed to bits so we had a little bit of a chat this year. As we were getting ours sorted this year, we added another eight so we thought, ‘Let’s add another little one in for him’. 

“It’s been quite nice because he’s been able to dive in undercover when it’s a bit mucky here because when it’s open here it’s the best place but when it’s a bit messy like it has been, it’s not very nice.”

Jeremy Moss, from Llawnroc Furniture Company, built the cabin for Cuthbert.

He said: “It’s somewhere for him and the dog to get out of the rain so it’s a nice surprise for him. You see someone who is there more days than they’re not so it’s nice to put a little bit back.”

Cuthbert and Bracken recently featured in the Big Issue’s festive magazine celebrating the life-enhancing joy of Big Issue vendors’ dogs and the importance of their connection.

The pair’s story has been a big hit on the street.

Cuthbert added: “It’s gone mental in the last week in terms of sales. When I’m in the magazine I don’t stop pushing it. It was mental.”

Whether in a wooden hut, outside your local shop or elsewhere, here’s how you can support Big Issue vendors this Christmas.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. This Christmas, you can make a lasting change on a vendor’s life. Buy a magazine from your local vendor in the street every week. If you can’t reach them, buy a Vendor Support Kit.