My first job

When I first started work at my father's company, I didn't know quite what to expect.

Like most family businesses, you mucked in with whatever needed doing - and one of my first proper jobs was a delivery run to Penn.

But not just any delivery. I was taking a load of solid cast iron cookware down to a lady running cookery demonstrations from her home kitchen.

That lady happened to be Mary Berry.

This was before her TV fame on The Great British Bake Off. But even then, Mary was a respected cookery writer and teacher with a wonderfully gentle way of sharing knowledge.

She was holding cooking classes in her garden room at her home in Penn, and our company was supplying her with top-quality cookware for her students - and for her to sell at the classes.

I'll never forget those visits...

After hauling in the heavy pots and pans, Mary would always greet me warmly, often in her apron, and without fail, she'd offer me a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, or something seasonal - it was always delicious. And it was always served with a smile and a bit of conversation.

It was simple hospitality, but it meant the world to me as a young lad finding his feet in the business.

She didn't have to be so kind, but she always was.

Fast forward a few decades, and Mary Berry is now a national treasure, beloved by generations for her grace, warmth, and no-nonsense recipes.

I've shared this story plenty of times when customers spot my Mary Berry cookbooks shelved in the showroom. But seeing as she has recently celebrated her 90th birthday, I couldn't let the moment pass without sharing it here.

Those early visits to Penn are some of my fondest memories from the early days of working in the range cooker world, and a lovely reminder that kindness, tea, and cake really do go a long way.

So I'd like to raise a teacup to Mary - happy 90th birthday and thank you for the inspiration (and the cake!).

Warm regards,
Andy

P.S. If you're a keen baker yourself (or just thinking about getting back into it), the cooker you choose can make all the difference.

An Everhot or an ESSE cooker is what I'd recommend. Both are brilliant for baking. They provide that radiant, gentle, even heat you want for bread, cakes, or pastries.

Both are on display in the showroom, so please pop down anytime if you'd like to get an introduction to them.