Peter Smith, former owner of Kent bakery Week’s of Goudhurst, passed away on the 20th April. His wife and daughter were with him, writes bakery colleague Henry Jefferies.
Peter Smith was a real character of the baking industry. He was a prominent member of the National Association of Master Bakers (NAMB) and a popular British Baker columnist.
After army service, then a National Bakery School diploma course, Smith ran his father’s bakery in Frome where he met his wife Elizabeth. They opened a Wimpy bar, then Smith went to work for Hovis. After that, he worked for Key Markets, setting up in-store bakeries at the beginning of an explosion of the in-store industry.
Smith took over Week’s of Goudhurst - turning it into a 12-strong chain of shops and an outside catering business. He became NAMB Kent President in 1983 and was a keen supporter of the NAMB conferences and council meetings.
In 1985, he became president of London and South Eastern Region (LASER) and, as chairman of the committee, ensured it ran very efficiently. He then became a member of The Worshipful Company of Bakers.
Peter loved sailing, and he entertained many of his baker friends on his first long-distance boat Ocean Pelican.
The baking industry has been richer for his input and strong views. There is not enough space in this obituary to highlight all the worthwhile things that he brought to our industry.
Peter’s memorial service will take place at St Mildred’s in Tenterden, Kent, on Friday May 9, at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome afterwards at the Garden House. Donations should be sent to the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
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