The ball, which was held at Cranage Hall in Holmes Chapel in September, raised £23,000 for Genesis, the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. The money will fund the first year’s work of PhD researcher Franchesca Gifford and provide state-of-the-art PCR equipment for the study into genetic variants and breast density. These are both believed to be factors that can cause breast cancer.

Lindsay Occleston Roberts of Roberts Bakery visited the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester to hear about the pioneering study and meet Franchesca Gifford and Genesis chairman and consultant surgeon Lester Barr. The Genesis study aims to determine if there is a link between genetic variants, known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and breast density. In future, testing for these SNPs may become a useful means of predicting which women are at a high risk of developing the disease, potentially saving thousands of lives every year.

The three year study, which will be undertaken at the School of Biomedicine at the University of Manchester, involves 10,000 women who have undergone mammography as part of the National Breast Screening Programme and 1,500 women with a family history of breast cancer. It will use saliva samples from the women in combination with mammographic density data and clinical risk factor data to work out which genetic variants are linked to breast tissue density and breast cancer.

Lindsay Occleston Roberts added: “I am absolutely delighted that the proceeds from the ball have contributed towards such a vital and groundbreaking piece of research. I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, so I am extremely enthusiastic about this study which has the potential to predict risk and help many thousands of women avoid this awful disease in the future.”

With the help of over 250 guests, the event raised more than £21,000 for Genesis, which is the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. 

Gordon Burns, co-presenter of the BBC regional news programme North West Tonight joined guests for the evening and invited Lindsay Occleston Roberts and Genesis chairman and consultant surgeon Lester Barr, on to the stage for a brief TV style interview after guests had enjoyed their gourmet meal.

The meal was accompanied by a lively performance from renowned singer Cole Page who sang a medley of well-known swing hits and even had guests dancing on their chairs to his rendition of ‘That’s Amore’!  

Our glamorous compere for the evening was the delightful TV and radio presenter Michelle Eagleton who is also the official presenter for the Genesis Appeal. Michelle, who looked stunning in a Yvonne Gillon gown, did a wonderful job highlighting the work of the charity and making sure the night ran smoothly.

Rick Dallimore from Meller Braggins hosted our grand auction, where the top lots included a beautiful Longines watch, donated by Alfred Jones Spar Group and PR Jones Jewellers, and a five day cruise around Croatia on board the luxury yacht Mystique. A disco and casino rounded off the entertainment on a very enjoyable evening with the winner on the casino tables scooping a fabulous week’s accommodation in a luxury villa in Tenerife.

Gordon Burns said: “I am a long-standing patron of The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal and was delighted to lend my support to this ball. It was an absolutely fantastic evening, full of fun and entertainment, but it was also serious about raising money for a very worthwhile cause at the same time.”

Lindsay Occleston Roberts added: “Genesis is a charity that is very close to my heart after I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. The evening was a huge success and I am very pleased that so many people came along and enjoyed it. We are thrilled with the amount of money raised, many thanks to everyone who supported us and bid so generously during the auctions.”

Class teacher Helen Tildesley said: “Our curriculum is all about relevance to life and the visit from Roberts Bakery was very valuable in giving the children extra skills and ideas. The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Roberts Bakery and were fascinated about what goes in to bread and where it comes from. Of course, they especially liked baking the bread and experiencing hands on how to make something delicious from just a few ingredients.”

Established in 1906, the Lancasterian School is a specialist communication establishment dedicated to teaching and supporting children with a range of physical and medical disabilities. Experienced in helping children overcome their disabilities and communicate with the world around them, the school’s dedicated team is able to help in anything from speech and language therapy to individual support for families, carers and pupils.

Keith added: “This was a great visit and it’s so rewarding to play a role in this interesting class topic. The pupils obviously got a lot out of the sessions and really enjoyed making and tasting the bread.”

Lindsay Occleston Roberts, Sue Sherlock, Lesley Pearson, Talique Rowe, and Lindsay’s daughter Laura Occleston, each donned a Genesis T-shirt, a frilly pink tutu and flamboyant pink accessories to deliver the delicious hand decorated biscuits and tell people about the ball, which is being held at Cranage Hall on Saturday 24 September.

Roberts hopes to raise as much money as possible for the Wythenshawe-based Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal, which is the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. The charity is particularly important to Roberts Bakery, since Lindsay was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Lindsay went through nine months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to beat the disease. 

Lindsay said: “It means a great deal to me to go out and visit local businesses and tell them about this charity ball, even if I am dressed in a rather eye-catching style! We had great fun delivering our breast themed biscuits and were greeted with a really warm reception at every business we visited. This charity is very close to my heart and I am looking forward to hosting this superb fundraising event to increase awareness about how we can prevent breast cancer and raise essential funds for the charity.”

Tickets are selling fast - anyone interested in taking a table or individual seats are encouraged to book as soon as possible.

The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal is particularly important to Roberts Bakery, since Roberts family member Lindsay Occleston Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Lindsay went through nine months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to beat the disease. 

Lindsay said: “This charity is very close to my heart and I’m delighted that a long established business like Roberts is able to support the Genesis Appeal. Breast cancer touches the lives of many people and I’m really looking forward to organising a superb fundraising event within the local community.”

The ball, which is being organised by Roberts Bakery, is to be held at Cranage Hall on 24 September 2011 and aims to raise much needed funds for the charity to continue their pioneering work into diagnosis, education and research into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Suranne, fondly remembered for playing the part of Karen McDonald in Coronation Street, unveiled a banner outside the bakery, before heading off to appear in a new production of ‘Top Girls’ at the Chichester Festival Theatre and a forthcoming episode of Dr Who. Suranne added: “I’m delighted to support such a worthwhile cause. The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal is the only charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer. I’m sure the ball will be a great success and will help to raise awareness about how we can prevent this awful disease, as well as raise essential funds for the charity.”

Just a few tickets remain at £55 each or £500 for a table of ten. To check availability, please call Roberts Bakery on 01606 41122.

Our bakery is well known for its large iconic windows that allow passers-by to watch the bread going round in the towers as it cools. Now all of our packs feature clear windows too, so that you can see your fresh Roberts loaf before you buy.

The Roberts Bakery has become a famous Cheshire landmark, so much so that we felt it only right to put it on the pack.

Making every delicious loaf of Roberts bread easier to spot on the shelf.

With a new range of consistent on-pack icons, key health and product messages are easier to read.

The Roberts family have been baking for your family since 1887 – every loaf of Roberts bread combines carefully selected ingredients with over 120 years of baking expertise.

You’ll find that most of our loaves still feature the same recognisable colours, but a select few have changed so please use our handy range guide to help find your favourite loaves.

The win was announced by Judith Batchelar, Brand Director and Tina Jeary, Head of Product Development and Technology at Sainsbury’s, during their Technical & Development Conference for the Fresh / Frozen Category. Competition was fierce with dairy, bakery, frozen, convenience meals, produce and food service suppliers all competing for the award.

The winning attributes identified by the Sainsbury’s team included:

• An outstanding BRC A* audit result
• Excellent product launches
• Submissions and attendance of all quality sampling panels
• Fast response time to actions and information requests

The award caps an amazing year for The Pastry Case team and is a remarkable note of recognition for their dedication to quality and new product development.

Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd has acquired Derbyshire-based bakery Aldreds the Bakers Ltd. Aldreds, which was established in 1897 and manufactures rolls, bakery and confectionery products, will become a division of Frank Roberts & Sons and operate as normal with the current management team remaining in place.

Mike Braddock, managing director of Frank Roberts and Sons said: “This is a very positive move for both companies. Roberts is a successful business and we are very excited to have the opportunity to develop it further through our alliance with Aldreds, which is well known and respected in the industry. With a long heritage, plus a good reputation for customer service and product quality, Aldreds shares many similarities with our business. We are delighted to not only invest in Aldreds future, but also its loyal team of staff.”

The company has scored an historic double as its two trading divisions, Roberts Bakery and The Pastry Case have both been awarded the prestigious A* grade assessment in the BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety, Issue 5.

Achievement of an A* grade, represents an ‘unannounced’ visit by the auditor for the BRC and is the highest award possible for food safety and quality. The assessment covers a wide range of aspects including the food safety plan, site standards, product and process control, personnel and commitment to continuous improvement.

Stuart Borthwick, Director of Operations at Frank Roberts and Sons, said: “This is a fantastic achievement as we are one of the first manufacturers to secure this unannounced status and it shows our commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards every day.

“We have already started to receive positive feedback from our customer base which shows the high regard they hold for the BRC Standards and our A* status.”

Providing complete reassurance for retailers, the BRC Standards are an internationally renowned assessment of technical standards developed to evaluate manufacturers of food products against strict criteria for food safety and quality.

Frank Roberts and Sons has spearheaded the industry by becoming one of the first manufacturers to achieve not one, but two, of the toughest awards for food safety and quality.

The company has scored an historic double as its two trading divisions, Roberts Bakery and The Pastry Case have both been awarded the prestigious A* grade assessment in the BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety, Issue 5.

Achievement of an A* grade, represents an ‘unannounced’ visit by the auditor for the BRC and is the highest award possible for food safety and quality. The assessment covers a wide range of aspects including the food safety plan, site standards, product and process control, personnel and commitment to continuous improvement.

Stuart Borthwick, Director of Operations at Frank Roberts and Sons, said: “This is a fantastic achievement as we are one of the first manufacturers to secure this unannounced status and it shows our commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards every day.

“We have already started to receive positive feedback from our customer base which shows the high regard they hold for the BRC Standards and our A* status.”

Providing complete reassurance for retailers, the BRC Standards are an internationally renowned assessment of technical standards developed to evaluate manufacturers of food products against strict criteria for food safety and quality.

Ken joined Roberts Bakery on the Van Sales Team in 1960 aged just 15. It was the same year that saw Hitchcock’s chilling thriller Psycho burst onto our screens, Elvis Presley celebrate another hit with “It’s Now or Never” and Cassius Clay (better known as Mohammed Ali) scooped a gold medal in the light-heavyweight boxing at the Olympic Games.

Now 50 years on, Ken, who lives just five minutes walk from Roberts in Northwich, is finally hanging up his van keys to enjoy a well earned retirement, making him the longest serving employee that the company has ever had. 

Mike Roberts of Roberts Bakery said: “There are so few companies today that have a long standing heritage and true family values, and even fewer that have loyal staff who have served for half a century! Ken, who is our ever longest serving member of staff, has been a tremendous asset to the business throughout his career and has made a lot of friends – he will be sorely missed by many people.” 

Ken, now 65, joined the company straight from school. He turned up for his interview wearing his school uniform and was offered an immediate position as a Van Sales Assistant. Ken has served within the Van Sales team for most of his career with the company. After passing his driving test at 19, Ken spent 24 years delivering bread direct to peoples’ homes in Crewe, Comberbach, Antrobus, Appleton Thorn and Stretton. He also spent many years working on local rounds, delivering fresh bread to small retail outlets throughout the north west. Often having to get up at 3am, Ken reveals that he won’t miss the early morning starts!

“I have been getting up early for 50 years now, so I think I am due a few lie-ins now,” he jokes. “I have genuinely enjoyed my time at Roberts though. It’s a real family business that always goes the extra mile to look after its staff. There are many people who I will miss seeing but I am looking forward to enjoying my retirement.”