THE Romsey Bakery officially has new owners after much-loved husband-wife duo John and Faye Parks handed over the business last Friday to Jake Reeve-Singles and Teagan Marsh.
Opening the bakery on July 4, 1986, the Parks worked in tandem to deliver freshly baked goods to the local community for nearly 40 years but have now decided it’s time to hand over the reins.
John, a born-and-bred Lancefield man, had already cracked a beer when the Review talked to him last Wednesday morning.
He reminisced about the early years of the bakery when it operated out of what is now the Romsey Bottle-O, alongside the old butcher shop. Back before the new bakery was built on the current premises a few years after they started. Back when Romsey was “not as modern”.
John said some of his best memories came from the camaraderie he built with the staff.
“Meeting people, talking, going out, it’s been good in that way,” he said.
The pair started thinking about moving on about two years ago, but didn’t get the wheels rolling until late last year. Now that the business has been sold, John said it’s “pretty much” time for retirement.
“I’ve got 10 grandchildren, so I’ll look into spending more time with them,” he said.
Taking over from John and Faye are fellow Lancefield-based couple Jake and Teagan.
The new owners both have plenty of experience in the bakery industry, with Teagan working at Lancefield Bakery for 13 years, and Jake for 12.
The Lancefield Bakery is also where John did his apprenticeship many years ago, and Jake and Teagan used the same scotch oven during their time there.
“We’ve worked hard and it (the Romsey Bakery) came up and it’s obviously very close to us,” Jake said.
“We thought, ‘why not take the jump?’” Teagan added.
The Romsey Bakery has long been known among the community for its quality offerings, and Jake was quick to ensure that they will be kept “as same as we can”.
“Donuts are the same, I’ve been taught the way, it’s all good,” he said.
Teagan interjected with: “And the sausage rolls will not change (either)!”
Staff from John and Faye’s tenure will remain, which Jake hopes will keep the same environment that his predecessors built.
The new owners offered a joint message to the Romsey community and surrounds.
“We’re just excited for our next step and next chapter, and we look forward to meeting and working with everyone,” they said.
As the Parks move on to the next phase of their life, they had one final message of their own for the community.
“Thanks for supporting us for 40 years.”
“Without them, you haven’t got a business.”