Who ate all the pies?
Posted by Liz Watkins (Hebden Bridge TIC)
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
In the past, I have taken Waites pies all over the country. They have sustained me on numerous arduous rambling expeditions. Indeed, I can claim to be a founder of the Pie's on Peaks Society whose mission was to take Waites pies onto each of Yorkshires summits.
Just how has this dreadful loss befallen our town? I blame all this modern pre-occupation with so called healthy eating. Personally, I recommend eating at least five portions of pie each day to ensure a happy and contented life!
I suppose we can at least be grateful for small mercies and the fact that its not going to become a branch of some mediocre chain of bakers shops.
I for one shall mourn Waites passing deeply, and I know I'm not alone. I have heard that some poor folk are frantically stockpiling freezers with goodies in an attempt to postpone the dreadful moment when Waites tasty treats will no longer be freshly available to revive body and soul.
In the few remaining days of Waites trading I shall, of course be indulging in an orgy of excessive cake and pastry consumption. Simultaneously, in commemoration of this momentous loss to our community and as a mark of respect I shall be posting pies to numerous ex-pats of Hebden Bridge. However, I feel that such a significant bereavement within our community deserves a fitting tribue to mark its passing. Anyone out there up for a Picnic Pies in the Park celebration??!!
Posted by Kathy
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
I cannot believe it - Finally there exists a 'real' bakery with fantastic pies (unlike the soggy and uninspiring 'treats' provided by chains) and then it closes! The demise of Kings bakery in Todmorden (where fabulous vanilla cakes made to a secret recipe were produced) was bad enough and now this. What is going in its place? MacDonalds? I am definitely up for a Pie in the Park Event soon as!
Posted by Jane Brierley
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Can someone put some pies in the freezer for us - we'll be back from France in November. Ta. Mouth now watering.............
Posted by Susan
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Dont panic folks Waites (at the moment) is only shut for one week and will then open on the 4th October. Postpone the Pies in the Park Party until about bonfire night!!!!!
Posted by Andrew Hall
Friday, September 24, 2004
I understand that they are keeping their Mytholmroyd shop. Slightly less convenient for 'Bridgies' but better than nothing.
Posted by Jill Butters, acting on behalf of Adam Chew-Tetlaw
Friday, September 24, 2004
In reply to Liz Watkins letter of the 22nd September regarding Waites Confectioners.
At this moment in time Waites Confectioners are negotiating the takeover of the Hebden Bridge Shop and only the Hebden Bridge Shop. Waites Confectioners will continue to trade at Mytholmroyd.
I am therefore delighted to advise Ms Watkins and indeed all residents of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd that Waites's extensive range of pies, cakes, pastries, bread and sandwiches will still be available at Mytholmroyd where there is excellent free parking facilities.
I take this opportunity to thank Ms Watkins for her praise of our pies and hope you will continue to take them on your expeditions. Indeed we will look forward to welcoming you to our Mytholmroyd shop when I hope you will make yourself known to us.Posted by John Atack
Saturday, September 25, 2004
I too am delighted to hear that the range of tasty products will still be available, although regretting that this may require a trip to Mytholmroyd. I also trust that the product prices we enjoy in Hebden will prevail in Mytholmroyd.(?)
For some considerable time I have been one of the unsung members of the Waites export trade. For example, as the result of my provisioning efforts, a significant portion of the crowd at the 2004 Trent Bridge Test Match was helped by partaking of a substantial lunch comprising Waites delicacies. I like to think that the resultant feeling of well being as reflected in the crowd's support for the home team was instrumental in their victory and a tribtue to Waites culinary skill.
And yet... the matter rests that this is another loss for Hebden, for whatever reason. An icon is lost. Despite the passionate support of Liz Watkins and many like her, we are losing an institution. Perhaps we should consider why this should be; in the context of our "great little shops" (of substance)?
Posted by Robert Collins
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Well I'm totally confused now. I genuinely thought someone had got the wrong end of the stick here. Waites always did have a way of opening or closing as they felt like.?!?
I personally have a fondness for the toasted, well-done loaves that no-one else likes, but where now for honest, decent, ordinary white bread in town? Tasty Bites' bread is too floury and doughy for my liking. Spar? I don't think so. Organic? A marketing scam. Co-Op "Cuisine de France?" Who are they trying to kid? I think I'll go back to making my own.
What does this say about Hebden Bridge? I think the following is food for thought...
"...Mytholmroyd where there is excellent free parking facilities."
Have parking charges and uncertainty over the impact of Hebden Bridge's traffic review killed them off? It would be a tragedy for the town if this were so.
The pasties and the salmon and dill quiches are also very good.
Posted by Max and Molly Sunderland
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Pleased to hear that Waites Confectioners are to keep the Mytholmroyd shop open. It will be fifty years next Spring since Waites (the late Doug Waite) bought the business from "Sunderlands" who were also very well respected for their delicious pies and confectionery. We have also enjoyed Waites hot pies, especially on cold wintry days. Why not postpone the "Pie in the Park" celebrations until next Spring - the 50th anniversary of Waites of Mytholmroyd!!! But let's have it in Mytholmroyd where it really belongs!