Copyright Ó 2006 W.H Gayton & Sons
The bakery was established in 1919 by William Henry Gayton, seen here with his bread basket, the family business has continued in the Gayton family as is now run by the brother and sister team, David Gayton & Elizabeth Charlton.
The memories of Granddad Gayton live on through his recently published diary ‘Goodbye to 1940’. His diary is daily account of a baker’s life during the war. They are sold for £3.00 each with all proceeds going to ‘the Poppy Appeal’.
If you would like a copy of William Gayton's Diary then please use email us. All proceeds go to the Poppy Appeal.
Here is a short description of his diary and a few small out takes from it.
His daily jottings are a history of Baddesley during one year of the war, incorporating as is does, reference to international, national and local happenings.
It is often humorous, sometimes sad, fascinating account of the life of a village baker, and one can read into his writing exhaustion, satisfaction, frustration and a whole range of other emotions that lift this diary into a superb read that takes one back into the war years.
A few out takes from his diary
"APRIL 3rd 1940 - Set a few more spuds after making a second dough before making a double dough. Mr Chamberlain says Hitler missed the bus. Our Mirrie done the same thing tonight and walked home from Atherstone. The first is good - the second bad"
"MARCH 28th 1940 - A sharp frost and a very cold wind. Prudential men are trying to sell War Bonds. I ain't having any - fed up of working all my life to pay insurance and things to help keep men who draw a wage of £8 - £10 a week"
"MARCH 15th 1940 - Billy a lot better. Ethel's got it now. Snow all gone - now its like summer. Fowl's laying medium. 14 eggs today. The blackout police have livened us up at last. The windows are lovely at night"
If you would like to purchase Granddad Gaytons diary then please email us
