Memories of old bakery

I am pleased that Baker’s Court is to be used as the new name for the development at the former Ashdown Court site, in memory of baker Alfred Joint Stock.

One could buy items when passing the shop but a roundsman with horse and cart called daily – and the old horse knew where to stop.

Another good baker who delivered daily was Buckles, from the corner of Osborne Road.

Our Easter hot cross buns were made early in the morning and on the doorstep for breakfast – never at any other time!

As an occasional treat we had a ‘nosey loaf’, a milk loaf with points at both ends. I still have, and use, a bread saw with their name on it.

In 1947 I was hoping to have a 21st birthday party and asked them for an iced cake.

Unfortunately, supplies being still short, they could not supply the fruit! During the Second World War the Australian government was very good and allowed parcels of fruit, sugar, almonds, etc, to be sent at a cheaper rate.

Through our church we had a connection and we were so grateful for a Christmas parcel.

Alfred Joint Stock had the sugar, we gave the fruit and I had a beautifully iced cake.

Unfortunately the bakery was bombed and it went up in flames. Canterbury also had a bad raid and our fire engines passed the blaze and let it burn out, because they had been ordered to the Canterbury fire.

So sad and such a loss. Marion Boxall, Hillyfields Rise, South Ashford

A splendid picture showing the Alfred Joint Stock Bakery shop in North Street which shows staff; Dolly Butler, Charlie Macdonald and Betty Woodcock (latterly Kennett)