Charles and Camilla thank staff keeping nation fed
ROYALS VISIT DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
SAYING THANKS: distribution
HE MAY be the heir to the throne, but the Duke of Cornwall took his wife on a trip to a supermarket warehouse yesterday.
Charles and Camilla yesterday visited an Asda distribution centre to thank staff who have worked to help keep the nation fed during the coronavirus lockdown.
They met some of the 700 workers at the centre in Bristol, as well as delivery drivers and those based at nearby stores.
Staff told how they had returned from retirement, worked extra hours and different shift patterns, and had postponed holidays to cope with increased demand at supermarkets during the pandemic.
The event took place in a marquee outside the main building, with people keeping two metres apart to maintain social distancing.
Chris Tilly, 48, general manager of the distribution centre, said work had been “really, really
Many people couldn’t get out for food, deliveries were important.
Ruth Cadenhead, Asda home shopper.
challenging” and paid tribute to staff.
“We’ve had a lot of support from colleagues right across the business working extra hours, extra shifts to keep the shelves filled for customers,” Mr Tilly said.
The Royals were told of the work Asda has been undertaking with Business in the Community, a business-led membership organisation, as well as charity partners FareShare and the Trussell Trust.
Ruth Cadenhead, 62, a home shopper based in Patchway, Bristol, spoke to the couple about Asda’s work with the charities.
“I’ve been working for Asda for about 12 weeks – since the call-out for extra help,” she said.
“Many, many people couldn’t get out for food and so deliveries were very important.” Charles told staff: “You deserve a stiff drink after all this.”