Buzz about Newark Market Place as craft and charity markets return over the weekend

Craft and charity markets happened in Newark Market Place over the weekend and brought some much-needed, albeit socially-distanced, hustle and bustle to the town.

Saturday saw a craft market that was marshalled by security staff and had a one-way system in force. Thankfully although busy, there weren't the numbers that forced the closure of the more large-scale event in Nottingham Market Square on the first day of its run.

Sunday saw a number of local, county and regional charities represented as they tried to do something to address the major losses to their revenues caused by the coronavirus lockdowns.

Among them were the Newark Patriotic Fund, which supports wounded and mentally-scarred Forces' personnel, veterans and their families.

Amidst the mulled cider, mince pies, Christmas cards and copies of the book that the fund published containing the stories of some of those it has helped was a life-size cut-out of Captain Tom Moore, the hero NHS fundraiser.

The cut-out was provided by Andy Powell, of Body Art Advertising, who delivered it for free from Cannock in Staffordshire and people could have their pictures taken with it.

Another was Newark Community First Aid who had a stall with a tombola.

The RSPCA was fundraising too with its shop on Albert Street recently re-opened after it was nearly destroyed when a car crashed into it.

There was also entertainment, and food and drink on both days as the Christmas lights twinkled overhead.