Royal walkabout
Prince Edward‘s support gives town’s market traders a boost
NEWBURY was paid a royal visit on Thursday as the Queen’s youngest son Prince Edward visited the Corn Exchange and Newbury Market.
The Earl of Wessex visited the arts venue on the eve of their pantomime opening, before heading outside into the rain to tour the stalls in the market.
He was accompanied by market manager Debbie Smith and Newbury mayor Elizabeth O’Keeffe and he chatted to the owners of each stall individually, asking how long they had been operating in the market and how they were getting on during the pandemic.
One such trader was Malcolm Smith of A and S Meats, who said: “What can I say, it’s a shame he couldn’t have picked another day.
“He was a very nice man. He had a lot of time for people and seemed interested in what’s going on in the market.
“He asked how long my family had been on the market – just over 60 years and I’ve been here 43 years.
“We chatted just about market life.”
Ms O’Keeffe said: “We are extremely proud of our market and were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to Newbury.
“Having been an especially difficult year for everyone, the market traders have continued to come along in all weathers to ensure that the market is open for business for local shoppers.
“Their loyal support is very much appreciated by everyone who uses the market.”
Market manager Debbie Smith said: “I think it was a great boost for the market.
“He was really interested in all
generally the traders, what they sell, their lives and how long they’d been there.
“He made great conversation and it was a lovely walkabout.
“We’re really lucky to have a proper market place and the market has been able to continue through both lockdowns, with essential foods and items.
“We’ve been lucky to be able to continue, whereas some towns have lost their markets because they’re in narrow streets.
“We only lost one week, and the fishmongers lost three weeks.”
The market has been open every Thursday and Saturday throughout 2020, for essential items only during the two lockdown periods, and is now welcoming back traders ready for Christmas shopping.
As an integral part of Newbury’s history and shopping experience, customers have enjoyed shopping outside in the fresh air and with lots of choice.