Bake to the future
A NEW family is firing up the ovens at Hinckley’s longestserving independent bakery.
Third-generation bakers, brothers Andy Connor and Mark Connor have sold Connor’s Bakery on Rugby Road, Hinckley, to Slawek and Zofia Wrobel, who are now running the business with their children Matty and Ola.
Andy Connor, 62, who had been baking for the family firm for 35 years, said: “It’s really good that Hinckley has retained an independent bakery.
“Slawek worked for us a few years ago before he moved south to take on a little bakery there.
“He and Zofia are both very passionate about baking and will continue to produce top quality products for the people of Hinckley.
“He’s a good baker and they care. We wish them well.”
The bakery began life as Biddle’s when Andy’s grandparents Eileen and William set up shop in 1931.
It became Connor’s when his parents May and Frank took it over and the name stuck when Andy and Mark followed in their footsteps.
A true family firm, two sisters and a sister-in-law have also worked for the business while many nephews and nieces have had Saturday jobs there.
Long-serving shop assistant Margaret Meigh clocked up 30 years, working into her 80s.
Baking hours were tough, with Andy starting at 1.30am on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday, squeezing in a Sunday break before going back into work at 5am on Monday.
But he said the camaraderie with staff and customers was always a pleasure.
He said: “I’m not going to miss the work.
“I’m going to miss the customers.”
Mrs Wrobel said customers had been very complimentary during the family’s first week at the helm and they were looking forward to continuing to serve people to the highest standards.