I moved to Newport in April 1969 and started coming to the market straight away. If you wanted fresh meat or fruit or vegetables you went to the market. There were lovely cakes, and I like a cake, I must admit. There were butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers, all selling top quality goods.
The first time, I walked in from the High Street. In front of me was a butchers’ stall run by two brothers. They were so friendly I never shopped at any other butchers! I’d been living in London where everything was done quickly. Newport was completely different. Stallholders asked how I was and were interested in me - it was lovely.
On Saturday morning people arrived from the valleys in busloads. Up the stairs on the Dock St side there was a pet stall, so everyone climbed the stairs to see the pets first.
Once, there was a lady walking around with a kitten, asking people if they’d like to keep it. That’s how I ended up having a cat! The market was full of surprises.