Sunshine shoppers glad to be back to Wainfleet Market after lockdown

A handful of food traders selling fish, fruit and veg and cakes had braved snow, wind and rain to keep customers supplied throughout lockdown - but today (Friday) they were joined by more stalls selling a variety of hardware, crafts and sweets.

Nayor's Auctions were also in full swing, with a good number of people gathered to see what bargains they could find.

Wainfleet Market is run by the local town council and Coun Wendy Bowkett said it was great to have the square buzzing again.

"It's fantastic to see to many stalls here today," she said. "We have a new veg stall which has come from Peterborough, the auction has started which is really good news and well-attended - and we have three more stalls coming next week.

"A lot of the older people here today have been stuck inside and it's really good to see them come out and have a cup of tea and a chat."

Simon Hill of PYO Fruit and Veg Bags and Eggs was enjoying his fifth week in Wainfleet.

"We are new to the market and up until now have been one of the only traders so it's good to see more today," he said.

"The business was set up during lockdown and has grown. The reason we are here is purely down to the situation, so we are really grateful for all the support we have had."

Adam Stevens, of Adam's Fresh Grimsby Fish, was another of the food stalls supplying customers in Wainfleet during lockdown.

"I've been here in snow, wind and rain and sometimes I was the only stall apart the cake lady," he said.

"I'm grateful to the public for supporting me throughout lockdown and it is so great to see more stalls and customers this week."

Roger Bennett was pleased to be back at the market with his hardware stall.

"It's been a long three months so I'm glad to be here and working again," he said. "Lockdown did give me time to sort my stock, though.

"Markets are important as the future is still uncertain. I normally I travel to steam shows, but many have cancelled."

Rose Dunbar of Rose Ellen Sews was also pleased to be back in Wainfleet and had been doing a good trade with her dog walking bags featuring a poop bag dispenser.

"I did quite on the run-up to Christmas before lockdown, but I have kept busy making new things while I've been home.

"We just need the public to support us now."

Also new to the market was Paula Bradshaw of PB's Wood and Art of South Kyme.

"My friend who has moved into the new Lumley Plaza shopping centre in Skegness has a candle stall and she suggested I try Wainfleet," she said.

"I'm so pleased to be here as a lot of craft fairs have been cancelled this year,"

Maggie Holt of Maggie's Sweets had got it covered that people might be wanting to lose a few pounds after lockdown.

"I've introduced sugar free sweets as there has been demand for them," she said.

"It's been a quiet start but I think people are still feeling their feet after being in lockdown."

Keeping everyone supplied with snacks and tea and coffee were members of the Wainfleet Methodist Church 'coffee morning' team, Susan Alldread and parish nurse Polly Butler.

Polly said: "We have been really busy supporting the community during lockdown with such things as shopping and food deliveries, as well as non-invasive care.

"It's been hard for people over the past few months."

Susan commented: "We have seen the difference in people today. It's been lovely to see them out smiling."

Customers also gave the market the thumbs-up. At the fruit and veg stall, chef Helen Proudley said: "I've been to the fruit stall two or three times now but it's great to see everyone else back.

"It's nice to get back to normal and to be able to start living again."

Shirley's Friday Walks group also popped along to explore the stalls. Organiser David Jones said: "We've been formed for about eight years and this is the first time we've been out for a while.

"We are aiming to encourage members out a few at a time. It's been lovely getting out again and we are looking forward to having a look around."

Wainfleet Market runs every Friday, with three more stalls expected next week, including the popular Grandma's Puddings.

Read more

New market in Wainfleet bringing community together