'A heartfelt farewell' to Bennetts Family Bakers

Founded by Claude Bennett in 1953, after he moved from Devon to Poole, the Bennetts Family Bakers grew into a cherished part of Dorset’s high streets.

Over the decades, it expanded to several branches across the county, serving freshly baked goods and homemade drinks to generations of loyal customers in Winton, Bournemouth, Parkstone, Broadstone, and Poole.

(Image: Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) (Image: Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) On July 5, the Winton branch, one of the final remaining stores closed its doors for the last time, leaving many customers ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’.

Jenny Milligan, 37, who has lived in Winton her whole life, said she was shocked to see the closure sign.

(Image: Jenny at Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) She said: “I’m so sad. I used to come here after school with my dad. Every time we came shopping on the high street, we’d stop in.

“If Greggs hadn’t turned up, maybe it would still be here, maybe their business would still go on. It’s heart-breaking to see it go.”

Jon Haigh, another Winton resident shared his childhood memories of the bakery.  

(Image: Jon Haigh with his son at Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) He said: “I’ve been visiting Bennett’s since I was a kid, especially the one in Poole when old Mr. Bennett was still alive.

“It’s a shame to see another independent business close on the high street. Sadly, that’s just the way things seem to be going.”

A sign posted on the door from Mr. David Bennett reads: “I have tried my hardest to keep the company going in these difficult times. But unfortunately, due to Mums ill health and my retirement it is no longer viable.

“On behalf of Claude, Winifred, Anthony, Margaret, Suzanne, Mark and myself I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support shown to our company and to our family over the years.”

(Image: Sign post Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) (Image: Bennetts Family Bakers, Winton, NQ staff) Staff member of Bennetts bakers at Winton store, who wished to remain anonymous, described her 20 years at the bakery as “an era” she’ll never forget.

She said: “It’s been such a good place to work, with wonderful customers.

"We’ve built real connections with people here. Today, so many came in shocked and disappointed. We’re just so grateful to everyone who supported us. People in Winton have been brilliant.

“All good things come to an end, but this really feels like the end of something special.”

In a statement to the Echo, the family said: "Our family-owned business had no choice Mrs Margaret Bennett is now in a home, and her son, David Bennett is over retirement age and has his own health problems, with no-one wanting to take over, or it being viable to keep going.

"It has been run by three generations of the family, opening in 1951."

The family added: “A big thank you to all our loyal staff and customers.”

The bakery closed its stores in Winton, Southbourne and Parkstone on July 5.