New bakery set to open thanks to support from the community

The Stoneham Bakehouse has received more than £23,000 within a fortnight with the majority of donations coming from local residents and businesses.

This means the bakery, which currently sits decorated but empty on Stoneham Road, can now be fully equipped and will be up and running by Easter.

Simon Cobb, a former teacher and founder of the bakery, said: “We’ve always been going down the line of having a crowdfunder.,

“Obviously we needed the money, but we also wanted community buy-in both literally and generally supporting.

“The ovens will be fitted over the next few weeks and the bakery doors should be open in time to offer hot cross buns on Good Friday.

Stoneham Bakehouse has been operating as a community business for more than two years, run by Simon, fellow directors Domino Moore and Robin Van Creveld, and an army of volunteers.

Simon left his former job as a primary school teacher while suffering from depression.

After months recuperating at home, his doctor suggested he learn something new in the hope that it might be a way of helping to beat his depression.

Already a keen cook, and out of work, Simon enrolled on a subsidised course run by community chef Robin Van Creveld, now a director of the Bakehouse.

Simon discovered not only could he bake, but it was also ‘amazingly good’ for his mental health which gave him the idea to bake with a variety of community groups.

So far Stoneham Bakehouse has worked with vulnerable school children, older men who are at risk of isolation, women escaping abusive relationships and mums with post-natal depression.

Now with a premises to call its own, Stoneham Bakehouse will be offering many more workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the bakery open for business Thursday to Saturday.

As well as the community sessions, Simon hopes ultimately to offer work placements or full employment to those who find it difficult to find a job due to mental health issues.

To make a pledge to Stoneham Bakehouse visit their Crowdfunder page at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/stonehambakehouse