The team behind a community baking project in Hove have proved themselves and rose to the occasion for the official opening of their new premises.
The Stoneham Bakehouse, in Stoneham Road, Hove, was kitted out after a successful crowdfunding campaign in the spring. Their pitch was: “We knead you!”
The community baking project is run by former primary school teacher Simon Cobb, 39, who lives close to the new premises, in Poets Corner.
Dozens – baker’s dozens – turned out for the opening at what was once Clark’s bakery.
Among the items on sale this morning were four local loaves – the Ruskin rye, the Stoneham sourdough, the Tamworth tin and the Montgomery Malthouse.
Mr Cobb said: “We’ve been running our community baking project since the end of 2014 and we’ve been baking in lots of different places.
“We took this place on in January and have been getting it ready since then.
“We’re a social enterprise which uses baking bread to nourish the community. We sell bread that’s been baked by volunteer bakers.
“We also work with vulnerable members of the community including people who are struggling with their mental health.
“I had a breakdown and I found that baking bread was one of the things that helped me.”
Some of the 20 to 30 volunteers bake while others sell the loaves, buns and bagels that they produce. Today they sold out within half an hour of the official opening.
The bakehouse was kitted out after a crowndfunding campaign which include £10,000 match funding from Santander bank.
Mr Cobb said: “We raised £23,000 on Crowdfunder in just two weeks.”
This morning (Saturday 13 May) the bakehouse was opened by Peter Kyle, the Labour candidate in next month’s general election. He won the seat last time and will be hoping that he’s not toast come Thursday 8 June.
He said: “I’m in awe of what Simon and his team have achieved at the Stoneham Bakehouse.
“I’ve seen it grow from a tiny stall to what it is now, a permanent enterprise at the heart of the Stoneham community.
“From crowdfunding to social benefit, the Bakehouse does it all. But best of all is has bread to die for – so stop by soon!”
Mr Cobb thanked Mr Kyle for his support and added: “We’ve also had great support from our local councillor Robert Nemeth.”
He also praised community chef Robin Van Creveld, a fellow director of the Stoneham Bakehouse Community Interest Company (CIC), describing him as the inspiration for the project.
A good time this morning at the Opening. Simon Cobb (apt name!) said that one of the directors could not get there then. I said, “he’s not risen yet!” Cheering, good-natured laughter at this. I carried home my two loaves, warm against the chest, and stopped en route for some unsalted butter. All of which means that I have since eaten more of it than I intended. A splendid enterprise.
You should call Peter Kyle an MP or member of parliament, he is not simply a candidate.
How can we expect people to understand and follow politics if the media can’t even use the appropriate language ?
You are wrong. He is no longer an MP as Parliament has been dissolved. Only Ministers are part of the Government until the 8th as they are, technically, appointed by the Queen. – and they too could be voted out.