PRESS REPORT
OVER PEOVER WOMEN’S INSTITUTE MEETING
THURSDAY 30th JANUARY 2014
Our first meeting of 2014 was a busy one with a good turnout and 3 visitors as well as the speaker. Jerusalem was sung – with accompaniment! Annual memberships were renewed and plans made for outings for the coming year. A full and varied schedule includes Harlow Carr in June and the BBC Media City tour later in the summer. A Fizz Fashion Show is proposed which is always popular with members and other local ladies.
We were treated to a talk by Keith Birkett about the history of the legendary Roberts Bakery where he has worked in various capacities for over 45 years. The family firm was founded by Robert Roberts who started as a flour merchant eventually opening his own shop in Northwich, the salt town, before moving it to Lostock Gralam in 1899. Over the years, they delivered flour then bread and became bakers themselves building a solid family business. The products gradually changed as the challenges and requirements evolved. In the bread strikes of the 70s the family and loyal staff pulled together to maintain bread supplies to their customers. The premises and business have steadily expanded from one building and now cover many acres. In addition to their own-label high quality bread, they have diversified into rolls, cakes, pastries and biscuits. Roberts Bakery products are now sold world-wide. A brilliant team spirit seems to be the key to their success. Roberts Brass Band and the sponsorship of local football team Northwich Victoria as well as support of Chester Zoo and local bowling clubs and taking “Baking in to Primary Schools” are all examples of the community involvement and generosity of Roberts Bakery. This was a heart-warming story of a family firm which has prospered while respecting old fashioned values such as loyalty, reliability, openness, fairness and dignity.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 27th February when Jack Turnbull will tell us about “The Lighter side of Hotel Security”. We meet at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of the month at Over Peover Village Hall. There is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and speakers are invariably of a very high standard as are the homemade cakes and tea to follow. New members are always welcome.
Vivienne Cunningham, Press Officer
01625 861934 gareth.viv@lineone.net