Bedford Timber has always been a family, from when Geoffrey started this company to me, his great-grandson, writing this article. We are more than just a company and take great pride in our history and commitment to Geoffrey’s legacy.

Where it All Began

It all began over 60 years ago when Geoffrey Lines started chopping off-cuts into kindling to sell in his greengrocer’s shop in Luton. This venture led to the establishment of GD Lines in Cauldwell Walk in 1963, driven by the growing demand for timber products. Geoffrey’s daughter, June, was the first to join the business, balancing her contributions with studying bookkeeping in college. Shortly after, Geoffrey’s son, Roger, also joined the company after training as a joiner in college. While June focused on office and delivery roles, Roger took on more yard-related responsibilities. In those early days, it was a small team, and everyone pitched in wherever help was needed.

By 1979, the company installed its first Stenner re-saw, enabling the machining of timber into fencing panels, garden sheds, and gates. With demand for timber increasing at an extraordinary rate, Bedford Timber Supplies Ltd was officially established in 1981.

I had to do everything. I worked on the saw, stripped bark for overlap panels, packed pallets, creosoted fencing with your nan [Liz], and bagged sawdust. I even went out on the lorry with my dad, often to Ampthill, and handled the phone, invoices, and payments from our tiny portacabin.”
– June Wheeler

Where We Are Today

After Geoffrey’s passing, Roger stepped into the role of managing director, continuing to run the company alongside his sister June, who oversees the business and works in accounts. Over time, their partners also became part of the Bedford Timber family. Liz, Roger’s wife, joined the accounts team and contributed for many years before retiring, while Anthony, June’s husband, remains a dedicated delivery driver to this day.

The next generation of the Lines family plays a vital role in the business. Roger and Liz’s three children—Gavin, Melvyn, and Jonathan—are all directors, each managing different aspects of the company. The family involvement doesn’t stop there: Gavin’s partner, Lucy, helps keep the Bedford depot spotless, while Jonathan’s wife, Mary, works in accounts alongside June. Even the fourth generation has joined the ranks, with Gavin’s sons, Jack and Tom, now working at the Bedford depot, Jack designing the website and Tom thriving as a salesman.

Today, the heart of our business remains unchanged from those early days. We continue to provide quality products at fair prices, uphold unmatched industry knowledge, and, most importantly, ensure that everyone who walks through our doors receives the best service we can offer.