A MUCH-loved landmark has been on the minds of Hereford locals.

The now long-gone Mothers Pride Bakery was based in Hereford's Three Elms Road. First built in 1958, the factory was subsequently extended in 1961, to make room for a confectionary section. The bakery was originally built by Rank Hovis McDougall Ltd.

At its peak, up to 160 vehicles a day arrived at the bakery, waiting to transport the hundreds of lovingly baked goods from Hereford to shops around the country.

But the good times were not to last, with the bakery closing its doors for the final time in 1982. The bakery was subsequently demolished, and the site where it once stood was later taken over by Sandford’s DIY super store the following year.

The bakery was a much-loved and familiar landmark of Hereford, with members of our We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group sharing their memories of the former bakery.

For Robert Preedy, the bakery was his ticket to the other side of the world.

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“I worked nights on the donuts, egg custard and cakes, saving money before leaving for Australia in 1974," he said. "Great times.”

Andrew Graham said: “Worked on the ovens, then in Confectionary Dept on a number of lines, eventually on Chelsea buns and Danish Pastries. Great laugh. Tommy Best was always playing up in the ovens area.”

And for others it was a family affair, with several members of their family heading to work at the bakery.

Dianne Carpenter said: “My Dad worked there till they closed, William (Chippy) Carpenter. He cycled from Credenhill to work for many years, until he got a car. Dad worked the night shifts, he often come home in a different car because he had lent his car out to a work colleague because it was a bigger car. I remember all the lovely cakes he brought home.

"Dad would make bread and cakes at home then. My brother David and sister Rosemary worked there as well.”

“My first job loved it so many memories. Easter biscuits were the best," said Nicky Price.