Born in 1921 as the eldest of five children, Bill Rowe grew up with no particular ambition. At 14, the confused youngster left school, and his father suggested an apprenticeship at a local bakery. Bill took this opportunity, working at Charlie Wearne’s bakery for the next seven years!

After a brief spell as a police constable, Bill joined the RAF in 1942, remaining there for six years. Defence cuts forced him to leave the service in 1948 and it was time for Bill to find a new career path.

Restless Bill planned to move to New Zealand but he reconsidered when his mother expressed her sadness. Once again, Bill’s father stepped in, suggesting his son “got back to his trade”. Bill soon formed a partnership with Henry Choak, fellow apprentice at Charlie Wearne's, starting a bakery in Falmouth. Henry left within a year, so Bill's sister Josephine moved in to help, as the hours were long and the work was tiring.

In 1963, Bill married Phyllis Wallace, a successful clothing buyer in Redruth. Her energy and selling ability drove the business forward and the pair saw success for the next 36 years.

Bill sadly died in 1990 and Phyllis in 1999. Both remained active in the business until their deaths, doing what they loved best; Bill working the ovens and Phyllis selling in the shops.Bill Rowe is fondly remembered by those who worked with him as a “real gentleman.”