End of an era for Neston’s former W.I cake stall as bakers hang up their aprons after 50 years

Oct 6 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

DEDICATED bakers who have run Neston’s former WI cake stall for nearly 50 years are hanging up their aprons.

The stall started at Neston Institute on Hinderton Road in the 1960s before becoming part of Neston Market, run by members of the Women’s Institute.

More recently, it could be found in the basement of Neston Town Hall on market day every Friday.

Eight years ago it became a separate enterprise under the banner of Neston Country Market but continued to sell a range of homemade savouries, cakes, breads and preserves as well as plants.

The stall has thrived over the years but, with baking a lost art for many young people and some of the group now in their 70s and 80s, they have decided the time is right to step down.

Pauline Wright, 81, from Burton, became involved 40 years ago.

She said: “We’re sad because we’ve been doing it for all these years but we’re happy that it’s going to continue.

“We just couldn’t carry on running the stall. We’re all getting a bit long in the tooth but we’ve enjoyed it.

“It’s something that makes you get up in the morning and something to plan for.”