South Yorkshire Times, March 28th, 1970
Michael Aspel Opens New Fine Fare Supermarket
Wombwell’s latest addition to its new shopping precinct, the Fine Fare Supermarket, was opened with an enthusiastic reception from the local townspeople on Tuesday morning. Performing the official ceremony of opening the shop was broadcaster, Michael Aspel, star of “Family Favorites” and “Crackerjack”. He was accompanied by an attractive “Miss Lyons Maid.”
The crowd which provided the typically warm Wombwell welcome, had been gathering shortly since after 6 o’clock and had grown into hundreds by the time the celebrities were due to arrive at 10 o’clock. Assistants timidly looked through the plate glass windows at the gathering crowd but showed in their faces a resolution to serve the customers to the best of their abilities, despite the formidable numbers.
Opening time drew close and representatives from a soup firm mingled with the crowd, giving away hot samples of their goods to the people who stood waiting and stamping their feet – partially numb through the long wait.
By the time Michael Aspel and entourage just after 10 o’clock the recently covered shop-forecourt was massed with patient shoppers waiting to enter the shop for bargains and free gifts.
Cheered
Stepping out of the car the beauty queen and the broadcaster walked through the crowd to the door. The crowd cheered enthusiastically. As Mr. Aspel approached the door the crowd folded in behind him and any opening words that may have been spoken were lost to the constant cheering and prolonged reception from everyone present…including the soup men.
With the doors open, presentations were made to the first adult male customer and adult woman customer. Mr. Christopher Whipham of nearby Snowden Terrace, Wombwell, was given a gold-plated razor and blades. “I had been there since 6 o’clock” Mr. Whipham said proudly.
Gift
A ‘Heinz’ shopping trolley was given to the first woman customer Mrs. B. Bates of Gower Street, Wombwell. Other free gifts, given to the first shoppers, included Gillette Platinum razor blades, Robertson’s Golly novelties, blancmange powders and samples of cheese. The shoppers on opening day had to run the gauntlet of well-intentioned shop assistants giving away the gifts along the aisle and the door marked ‘In’.
Once round the shop, the first six customers who had spent over £1 were given a free beach towel. Choc ices were also given away by “Miss Lyons Maid” for everyone who bought Lyons Complete Sweet Range Block.
Michael Aspel stayed behind to sign autographs and meet the customers.