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Eric David Potter was born on the July 17^th, 1933, in Plumstead, South East London. He grew up and went to school there until the start of World War II when he was sent down to Teston in Kent.

By the end of the war, Eric’s mother had saved up enough money to send him to the top catering college in Westminster. His first job was at the R.A.C. Club on Pall Mall. His national service interrupted this job and when the Commanding Officer found out Eric was a high-class chef, he hired him to cater for officers' parties and events, until he was demobbed.

Eric started working at Covent Garden Market on May 12^th, 1956. He worked days in the beginning; later swapping to nights as the job was far better paid. In 1974, he moved with his firm to New Covent Garden Market (Eric’s daughters believe he worked for two firms in his time at both markets - J Lefevre and Gunnery's. He was a very proud market porter and worked there until he retired in 1998, aged 65.

He was always interested in food, loved to play golf and was a keen cyclist who rode with both the Mercury and Gemini cycling clubs. He met his wife, Maureen, at one of the many parties that were thrown by other members of the club. They were married in 1962.

Daughter Allison said: “He made a lot of friends at the market and loved working at Covent Garden. He always said it was like being part of a big family, where everybody looked out for everyone else.”

Eric passed away on December 20^th, 2024, after a brave battle with cancer. He was 91. He leaves behind 4 children, 2 grandsons and 2 great-grandsons. He will also forever be remembered in the market through his plaque on The Garden Wall.

Rest In Peace Eric.