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Announcement:
WC Baker and Son,
located at 234 Fleet Road, in Fleet in the Hart District of Hampshire, closed its doors for the
last time on Thursday, September 30 2021.
Presentation:
The Fleet Lions presented The Baker family with a certificate of thanks for their service. History: Mr. Wyndham Cecil Baker, a cabinet
maker and decorator, moved from Wokingham with his wife, Mrs. Lilian Ethel
Baker, to Fleet in April 1908.
Wyndham had the help of his son,
Mr. Sydney Baker and many local men. Shortly after the war Wyndham suffered ill health and therefore passed the business onto his son, Sydney, who remained a part-time fireman but also took on the responsibility of running the shop with the help from his wife, Marguerite. He continued selling decorating and building items, which of course he had experience in using and also added the service of cutting keys and grinding tools. In the late 1970’s Sydney ’s son, Geoffrey John Baker, grandson of Wyndham, took over the responsibility of running the ironmongery business. Geoff has the help and support of his wife, Suzanne and their twin daughters, Jane and Sarah – the fourth generation. Geoff has developed the key cutting service to its full potential and has an outstanding practical knowledge of locks and oil heaters. The Business has won many accolades including Business of the Year award in 1987, 1988 and again in 1989. Also the Fleet in Bloom shop frontage award for six successive years. The business has adapted to meet the changing requirements of its customer’s needs. It is able to provide modern, sometimes even sophisticated products but still keeping the traditional counter top service. The business has been helped by having a strong family unit with long serving staff as its foundation but more importantly by having loyal customers.
Fondly Remembered - fleethants
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