Traders thrilled as Biggleswade Charter Market returns to town

Due to the pandemic, the market was only able to host traders selling ‘essential’ items until an announcement came on June 1 that outdoor markers could reopen.

Now, the town centre market boasts stalls including fruit and veg, bread, plants, cards, haberdashery, hardware , and jewellery and giftware, with traders pleased to be back in action.

Colin Keeble, market  trader from CK Nurseries and market superintendent for Biggleswade Town Council, said: “It was nice to be back, because I have done markets for 35 years - it’s what I know!

“Home delivery is fine, but when you’ve traded in markets for so long with an established customer base, to have that taken away is quite traumatic.

“The customers were pleased to see us back, because it’s a Charter Market that’s been in the town for generations. It’s part of the town centre.”
CK Nurseries, based in Potton, focussed on home deliveries during lockdown, but with the business growing most of the plants that it sells, Colin couldn’t wait to start trading again.

He added: “Home deliveries really were our salvation - we normally do five markets per week. I would like to say thank you to everybody who supported us!”

At Colin’s stall he now has a card machine, and there is also hand sanitiser should customers wish to apply some.  

Meanwhile, one business that was allowed to continue selling their essential goods at the market was Woods Bakery Ltd, based at Stratton Business Park.

Mother-and-son duo, Karen and Fraser Woods, stuck out the lockdown as the only traders in the town centre, with the family very grateful for everyone’s support.

Managing director, Karen, said: “The lockdown was a bit scary at first - we didn’t know what to expect.

“We were just there on our own and the town council helped us to set up two metre social distancing. Our customers have been so, so supportive - there were times when we had such a long queue!”

Father and managing director, Derek, created a hand sanitising station for son Fraser, who handles the bread, while mum Karen, who handles the money, has been changing gloves constantly.

Derek said: “I didn’t want to stop doing the market; it takes years to build up a reputation but you can lose it in an afternoon or a weekend.

“We’ve been going for 30 years now. We started in 1990 and I don’t know where that time has gone!”

The business would also like to say thank you to trader, Pete Newlands.

Derek added: “Pete has been standing on Biggleswade market selling our bread and cakes, even though he is well into his eighties, for over 20 years.

“We thought it would be best for him to stay safe at home while the pandemic continues. The market would not be the success it is today without Pete and he is missed by our loyal, regular customers.”

The bakery has also been supplying farm shops during the pandemic, and the family are remaining positive about the future.

To apply to  have a stall at the market, visit: www.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk/