CELEBRITY STATUS FOR IAN AND JAN (MAY 2005)

An appearance on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook programme in March followed by publicity in the Evening Chronicle, Newcastle , in April has brought near-celebrity status to husband-and-wife bakers Ian and Jan Thomson.

The couple, whose family-run business in Stamfordham Road , Westerhope Village , Newcastle , dates back to 1956, received a remarkably swift response to their on-line request to take part in the ever-popular Read Steady Cook. Within days, they were successfully auditioned in Manchester and in no time at all were on national television with chef/presenter Ainsley Harriott. “It was brilliant,” said Jan. “We travelled down to London and back in one day, recorded the show and stayed around to see other recordings before heading back to King’s Cross and Newcastle. It was probably one of the best days of our lives, “she added. They were presented with Ready Steady Cook aprons after the show and these now take centre stage in Thomsons Bakery window. At the first Newcastle Farmers’ Market after the show, the Thomsons were immediately recognised by the public who greeted them warmly and asked numerous questions about the programme. “We are still being recognised in the shop and the street, “ says Jan.

She was also featured in last month’s Evening Chronicle on her views about supermarkets. Jan said they faced opposition from Tesco at Kingston Park , Morrisons at Cowgate and Asda at the MetroCentre, and although it was very worrying, she was confident that Thomsons would survive. They benefited from taking part in Newcastle ’s Farmers’ Market and their original recipes such as Newcastle Brown Ale bread had given then an edge over the big boys. “I think people are coming back to the idea that locally-produced food is better. There’s more variety and you can get to know your provider. I honestly think going to your local shop is less effort as well, “she said.

“You don’t have to trawl around the aisles, queue up at the checkout, pack your bags and then load the car. We employ local people. Of our staff, there are only two who don’t live within a five-minute walk from the shop. “Thomsons Bakery is a member of Northumbria Larder and has its own website – www.geordiebakers.co.uk.