7/5/2008

Business

Hardware store hits its century

The team celebrate the centenary of the opening of W C Baker.

A retailer is celebrating 100 years of business in Fleet.

The WC Baker and Son hardware store has served the town for a century and is proud to stay a family-run business.

It was founded by cabinet maker and decorator Wyndham Baker, who moved with wife Lilian from Wokingham to Fleet in April 1908.

He set up a cabinet and household furniture shop in Reading Road South, repairing furniture and doing French polishing and upholstery.

In the First World War he sold goods to troops based in Crookham — soap, brushes, brass items for Army bands, boots, putty knives, billy cans and officers’ swagger canes.

After the war glass and china were added to the items sold by the store, which began a building and decorating service.

It moved to a purpose-built home in Fleet Road in the 30s, with Mr Baker helped by son Sydney and many local men.

In the Second World War Sydney was a full-time fireman and building services ceased.
Shortly after the war Wyndham became ill and passed the firm to Sydney, who stayed a part-time fireman but also ran the shop with wife Marguerite.

He still sold decorating and building items, adding key cutting and tool grinding.

In the late 70s his son Geoff took over the business, now with the help and support of wife Suzanne and twin daughters Jane and Sarah. Geoff has an outstanding practical knowledge of locks and oil heaters.

The firm won a Business of the Year award from 1987-89 and Fleet In Bloom’s shop front award six years in a row.

It has adapted to customers’ changing needs, providing modern, sometimes even sophisticated, products while keeping a counter-top service.

Geoff said: “The business has been helped by having a strong family unit with long-serving staff as its foundation, but more importantly by having loyal customers.

“We would like to thank all our customers for their loyal and valued custom during the past 100 years and look forward to serving the community over the next 100 years.”

To celebrate the landmark, Fleet Business Partnership is organising a centenary celebration in Fleet Road on August 9 with the support of the Bakers. It will include several stalls and attractions.

To get involved or tell a similar story of the last 100 years email chairman@fleet businesspartnership.com.

First printed in: Aldershot News and Mail