ONE of Swanage’s longest serving bakers, who was described as a “true son” of the community he lived in, and a loving father has died.
Peter White could do it all. Not only known for his baking prowess, he was a clever businessman, an accomplished sportsman, a parish councillor and a keen fisherman. But, above all, he was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Peter was born on July 22, 1929, in Langton Matravers. He was the third generation of the White family to live and work in the village. At that time, his paternal grandmother Ada Anne ran the village bakery and his father also worked for the business.
Young Peter spent his childhood living either at or in very close proximity to the bakery on the high street, enamoured with the process and beginning to learn from a young age.
He attended St George’s Primary School before going on to the grammar school in Swanage, however the smells of the family business clearly proved too irresistible for Peter who would eventually leave to join the bakery.
In his teens, he began to develop one of his many talents – rifle shooting. He started shooting in 1944 and quickly found he had a knack for the sport. He continued shooting for the Army team during his national service before going on to shoot at county level in the 60s and 70s, winning many accolades and trophies.
Peter would continue shooting until shortly before his death.
After his national service had ended, he returned to the comforts of the family business, but worked hard in the bakery and eventually became master baker.
This is when Peter’s savvy business skills would come into play as he helped develop and expand the bakery by supplying to customers not just in the confines of Langton Matravers, but further afield to those in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole among others.
By the 1970s, Peter had a reputation for making fine bread and cakes which helped him make the leap to expand the business further when he opened the Brook Tea Rooms in Swanage – which he continued to help build for the rest of his life.
The main Langton bakery closed soon after, but the building was retained and still supplied the Brook Tea Rooms.
Despite the bakery closing, Peter was not one to rest on his laurels. He instead went on to develop his many interests. Peter’s great love for the village of Langton Matravers prompted him, along with friends Reg Saville, Jim Bradford and Harry Tatchell, to found the Langton History and Preservation Society.
Wishing to contribute further to the community, he was elected to the parish council and served for five years as chairman.
His encyclopaedic knowledge of the area around Langton and his good memory proved him to be an invaluable member of the council – he was still a member at the time of his passing.
He was also a keen participant of The Society of Dorset Men and thoroughly enjoyed attending functions with other likeminded gentlemen.
He was always keen that the auxiliary unit, led by his father and based in Langton, should be recognised for their service during the Second World War. To that end he was successful in establishing a memorial stone at the corner of St George’s Close. A lasting legacy of Peter’s drive and determination.
However, perhaps his greatest legacy will come in the form of his family. Peter was a much-loved husband to Margaret and an adored father to his sons Andrew, Nick, Jonathan, and Tim, and his daughter Libby.
He was also described as a “legend” to all his grandchildren, great grandchildren.
Of Peter, his surviving family said: “Peter was truly a man of Dorset and a true son of Langton. He was well respected by his colleagues in all walks of life and was loved by his staff and his family. He will be greatly missed by so many.”
Peter White died peacefully at Poole Hospital on December 15, 2021. He was 92 years old.
His funeral service was held at St George's Church in his hometown of Langton Matravers on Wednesday January 19 and was attended by around 200 people. Donations were given to Swanage Lifeboat Crew Fund and National Coast Watch Institution.
Stay up to date with all the latest community news across Dorset with our dedicated Facebook group. Click here to find out more and join.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel