A COUPLE who have spent 38 years baking bread for people right across the city are finally retiring to enjoy some well-earned lie-ins.
Jack and Sue Marcer have woken up at 2.30am for six days a week for almost four decades so their fresh bread, cakes and pastries can be ready for the public.
But today they baked for the last time at their shop, Marcer's, in Brighton Road, Alvaston.
The couple, who live in Severn Street, Alvaston, now have some holidays planned are looking forward to some rest after decades of hard work.
Sue, 64, said: "People do not realise how hard we have worked.
"But, for six days a week we get up at 2.30am, to start work at 3.30am and then the van can be loaded at 6am.
"It's incredibly hard work but it's been our way of life. It has been fantastic, but we have just had enough."
They took the business over as a butcher's shop, making pies as well as selling fresh meat, but gradually the bakery side of the business expanded to the point where it took over.
They have supplied cobs to pubs across Derby as well as Kedleston Hall as well and other locations.
Sue said: "It does feel emotional leaving, but when you are self-employed you do not get the chance for any holidays, but now we will."
The couple's son, Gary, had helped out at the business since he was a youngster.
He then joined the bakery when he left school but had to find another job, without his parents as the boss for the first time, when they decided to retire.
But he has kept his trade and is working in another bakery.
Jack, 64, said he did feel sad that a chapter of their lives was closing.
He said: "We have spent a lifetime here. This job has been very personal, it's not an everyday role, but it will be nice to have a change.
"We have had some great staff over the years – some who have been with us a long time."
Some husbands might be daunted at having to spent their retirement with their wife, but considering Jack has worked with his better half for so long he said he is not bothered.
But he would always shop for his bread and pastries at small bakeries rather than in supermarkets.
