From Noddy to Blobby – here are the famous faces who have graced the Kennet Centre over the years
From Noddy to Blobby – here are the famous faces who have graced the Kennet Centre over the years
Do you remember when Newbury made way for Noddy? Or when the Tardis landed in the Kennet Centre?
The shopping complex opened in the early 1980s and transformed the town centre.
During its heyday shops in the centre included Sainsbury’s, Debenhams, the Body Shop, Adams and Beatties.
And as the Kennet Centre evolved through the decades, a number of well-known, well-loved and even well-feared faces have popped in.
From Dennis the Menace to The Doctor and Daleks – national treasures have drawn thousands into the shopping centre.
He’s not a man of many words but seems to keep people entertained for hours – Mr Blobby rolled on over almost two decades ago.
The children’s entertainer made an appearance at The Pocket Phone Shop in November 23, 1995.
Mr Blobby, who is known to wander hither and tither through television studios, drew crowds as he opened the then-new Newbury store.
A little while later, Newbury made way for Noddy and his pal PC Plod.
The pair brought thousands into the Kennet Centre in April 1997 and put on a show for the children.
The Newbury Weekly News reported that the duo attracted an extra 4,000 customers to the centre on the day.
This put previous visits from rival cartoons Bart Simpson and Scooby Doo in the shade.
Speaking of going back in time, fans braved a Dr Who’s nemesis Dalek to meet the sixth actor to play the doctor, Colin Baker.
The time lord appeared at the centre to greet fans in November 2007.
He, the Dalek and two security guards patrolled the shopping centre in their feeling visit.
The Newbury Weekly News reported that hundreds of people queued as far as the car park for a chance to meet the stars of the show and have their photo taken with a look alike of the then doctor David Tennant.
Do you remember any other famous faces who have popped by the shopping centre? Let us know at hinna.aamani@newburynews.co.uk
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