End of an Era: Bedford’s Beloved ‘Dinky Donuts Lady’ Retires After Decades of Service.
After nearly 50 years of delighting locals, Bedford’s beloved “Dinky Donuts Lady,” Lina Ognissanti, has announced her retirement. This weekend marks a bittersweet farewell as she closes her stand on Midland Road.
Lina has been a fixture in Bedford since the 1970s, serving doughnuts and ice cream to generations of residents. With tears in her eyes, she shared with the Bedford Independent that she will miss “everyone.”
“I’ll miss everyone, especially the children and their parents, many of whom I knew when they were kids,” she said.
Today, loyal customers, both young and old, gathered at her stand to offer gifts and share their good wishes. Many took photos with her, reflecting on the memories they created over the years. Lina reported a record day, selling more boxes of her popular 25-doughnut packs than ever before.
One customer reminisced, “I used to get doughnuts from you when I was little, and I love that my daughter now has the same memories.”
In 2018, Lina’s significant impact on Bedford life was recognized through an online petition. The then Mayor, Dave Hodgson of the Liberal Democrats, invited Lina and her family for afternoon tea and presented her with an award for her contributions.
At the time, Hodgson stated, “Lina has a special status in Bedford, and her stand is an institution in the town centre.”
Lina has been described as part of the very fabric of Bedford. Eating her doughnuts was even included in the Bedford Independent’s 2019 list of things that make someone “truly Bedfordian.”
Additionally, Lina was featured in the Circus of Illustration’s “Drawing Bedford Together” project, where artist Marta Plizga created an illustration of her as a tribute to her status in the community.
So, what does the future hold for Lina? She hinted at possibly seeking another job, saying, “You can’t stay at home all the time.”
No matter what path she chooses next, Lina will always hold a special place in the hearts of Bedfordians and remain a cherished part of the town’s history.
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