Third generation to run family bakery celebrates shop's milestone 50th anniversary
A South Shields bakery run by three generations of the same family turns 50 on Monday.
Lee’s Family Bakers, located on Stanhope Road, have been serving fresh cakes, breads and savouries to the community for decades and celebrations are in order as the bakery marks its 50th birthday on February 15.
The business was started on Decimal Day in 1971 by Kenneth Lee and his wife, Mary and is now being run by their grandchildren, Susan Smith and Clair Campbell.
Last year, judges selected Lee’s Bakers as Regional Winner for the North East at the National Bakery Awards.
Susan, who joined the family business at 14 as a school job, says seeing the bakery turn half a century makes her feel “very proud”. She said:
"We’ve adapted, we’re moving with the times. You have to change, and plan, and think of every idea you can to keep it busy.
"It would be great if the kids can get involved, we’re trying to keep it in the family.”
The business was passed on to Susan and Clair from their father, David Lee, who still works at the bakery:
"He is going to retire this year, but he says that every year and he hasn’t gone anywhere yet,” Susan said.
And with Susan and Clair’s sons also keen to get involved, the bakers’ looks set to remain in the family as its fourth generation prepares to take over.
Susan said: "They’re very proud of the business and they can’t wait to get in.”