PRESS RELEASE
Date: 4th December 2020
Newbury Market traders were delighted when His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex visited Newbury Market this week to show his support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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, the Market has welcomed a number of new customers and traders this year.
Our Market Manager, Mrs. Debbie Smith, together with the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Elizabeth O’Keeffe, accompanied His Royal Highness around the Market, where he met a number of the traders.
Darren Bateson, a regular trader from Charlton Park Garden Centre said what a pleasure it was to meet The Earl, “We had a chat about how long the stall has been at Newbury Market, which is over 65 years and he genuinely took an interest in how we’ve been doing since lockdown. He stopped and talked to all of us traders at the Market”.
Cllr Elizabeth O’Keeffe, the Mayor of Newbury 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.”
