Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has swapped parliament for a baker’s shop this week during her ongoing summer of ‘fact-finding work experience’.
Tessa Munt has rolled up her sleeves to spend time at Burns the Bread in Glastonbury, where she’s been making pasties, cakes, pastries and sandwiches.
She started her day by greeting owner Bob Burns at 5.45am for a quick tour of the bakery before getting down to work under the supervision of the firm’s experienced and long-serving bakers.
Tessa learned how to knead dough, made bread rolls and currant buns, and fill and fold savoury slices.
She watched the sandwich making team getting ready for the morning rush which takes place from before seven until lunchtime.
However, as well as learning about how our favourite baked treats are made, she was also very keen to quiz Bob and his team about their experience as a medium sized business which has expanded in recent years.
Tessa said: “Anyone who knows me will understand my enthusiasm for spending a day with Bob and his dedicated team. I’m a self-confessed cake addict! Baking is hard work, but being involved in the preparation and baking before Bob’s hungry customers buy from his busy High Street shops in Glastonbury, Wells, Street, and Castle Cary was very satisfying.”
“I was also there with my business hat on and I am keen to listen and learn. Bob started baking at the age of 12 and has done a brilliant job with his business which now employs over 70 members of staff and serves in excess of 10,000 savouries and 4,000 sandwiches per week to roughly 12,500 customers!”
Bob said: “It’s great to know that our local MP is truly interested in the people and businesses that she represents. Tessa was truly interested in all aspects of our business and what makes it ‘tick’ on a daily basis.”
