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The Edinburghs

The Earl of Wessex goes market shopping to show support for post lockdown business

The Earl of Wessex at Newbury Market

The Earl of Wessex visited a local market as England’s second lockdown came to an end, to show his support to traders coping with the ongoing economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Edward spent December 3rd touring Newbury Market in Berkshire which was welcoming back traders selling non-essential supplies for the first time since November. Only businesses offering essential goods were allowed to trade during the lockdown which ran from November 3rd until December 2nd 2020.

The Earl spent time talking to firms working at the market which has been an integral part of Newbury for many years. He heard from traders about the impact of the pandemic on their businesses and discussed their plans for the future.

Darren Bateson from Charlton Park Garden Centre said afterwards that ”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”.

Debbie Smith, the market manager, and the Mayor of Newbury, Elizabeth O’Keeffe, accompanied the Earl during his visit. Councillor O’Keeffe said they were proud to welcome the prince to the market, adding “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.”

Newbury Market trades around the year on Thursdays and Saturdays.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.