Family bakery takes the cake with 60 years of market trading

A popular family bakery has taken the cake by celebrating 60 years of market trading in this area.
Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.
Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.

Geoff Webster Family Bakery, which has stores on Church Street in Mansfield and in the Idlewells Indoor Market, first opened its doors in 1958 when namesake Geoff Webster bought a meat van in Mansfield.

Geoff then branched out his business, opening the Church Street store as well as holding a stall in the town's old indoor market before its closure.

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The business grew tremendously and, following Geoff's death 18 years ago, his family have kept up the blood line - moving into Idlewells to continue its indoor market tradition and holding fort ever since.

Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.
Geoff Webster Bakery, in Idlewells Indoor Market.

His daughter Lynn Shaw and her children Susan Robinson, Samantha Scothon, Sally-Ann Davis and John Shaw now run the two family stores, and they are "overwhelmed" to reach the 60 year mark and dedicated it all to Geoff.

Susan, aged 39, who runs the Idlewells market shop, said: "It is really nice to be part of a proper family business.

"It all started when he bought a meat van and was selling cold meats and pastries from the van, and then he decided to get a market stall in Mansfield.

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"That was really successful and in the end he bought a shop in Mansfield where they were run together, but then the indoor market in Mansfield shut down and he had always wanted to open one in Sutton.

Geoff Webster store, on Church Street, MansfieldGeoff Webster store, on Church Street, Mansfield
Geoff Webster store, on Church Street, Mansfield

"He was a lovely man and when he passed away my grandma took over, moving into Idlewells 15 years ago, but while he was alive he was a proper market trader.

"He loved the hustle and bustle and loved having the market stall a lot more than the shop.

"We really want to keep the market trading going in his legacy."

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Susan and her sister Samantha run the Idlewells store, while Sally-Ann has control of the Church Street store.

Susan and Samantha were very thankful to Idlewells customers and the centre itself, who they say have "helped the business grow".

Susan said: "We have a group of really loyal customers who come regularly and we can only thank them for their support.

"To celebrate we have been handing out free birthday cake to each customer and we have a special offer each day to give something back to those who were really loyal.

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"We can only thank Idlewells for letting us keep custom in the centre - since the indoor market's refurbishment we have been able to do so much more and have seen a lot more regular customers.

"Moving into the future we would like to update the Mansfield shop and perhaps, if things go from strength to strength, maybe open another one - only time will tell."

The Geoff Webster brands sell a range of bakery goods, including baguettes, cakes and pastries, and to celebrate 60 years the family have a range of offers for customers.

Watch the video above to hear a message from Susan and to see what birthday offers they have over the week.

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