11 Dec
Goldthorpe Market
Meryl
was delighted to support Heather at this event. Heather was inspired by the
event at Cusworth Hall and designed her stall with Christmas 1915 baking as the
soldiers would have received them. Heather wrote : “If it
is your aim to get people baking, you have achieved that with me, as this was
quite a challenge I set myself, after the inspiration I got from your
demonstration in Cusworth. I don’t see myself as ‘not a baker’ now.”
Congratulations to Heather and all the Goldthorpe Development Trust for organising
such a brilliant event.
7 Dec
Darfield Ladies
Meryl celebrated the festive season with the ladies in Darfield. They
loved reminiscing about Grandma’s baking and were very tempted by the cakes!
3 Dec
Oddfellows Worksop
Meryl
enjoyed the visit to talk to the group in Nottinghamshire and spent some time finding
out about the origins of treacle and golden
syrup from a member who lived in South Africa. Members loved the Marmalade
Spice Cake and other Christmas baking to start the season.
November 15
Meryl showed
26 Nov
Christmas Gifts
Meryl
showed how to get ready for the festive season and make traditional treats as gifts.
Meryl enjoyed chatting about her Grandma's recipes for the
Christmas season and there was a lot of tasting throughout the morning!
4 Nov Sprotbrough Wives
A morning
phone call sent Meryl as a last minute replacement for the group’s speaker. Grandma’s
Victoria Sandwich and Yorkshire Parkin proved to be a major success!
October 15
28 Oct Doncaster Local History Society
27 Oct Soroptomists Doncaster Club
Meryl was treated
to a scrumptious meal before talking to the group about Grandma’s baking. They
found room to sample some of Grandma’s cakes and said they were all enthralled
by it all!
21 Oct Sutton Cum Lound WI
Meryl was given a
warm welcome to this group in a lovely venue. Members mentioned about all sorts
of unusual cakes including Thor Cake and Jordan Cake. I’ll be looking out for
the recipes!
20 Oct Harthill WI
Meryl was delighted
to celebrate the birthday of a member who was 91 years young! And she knew all
the answers about the characters in the Afternoon Tea story. Her mother had
worked at the Lyons Café in London too!
19 Oct Chesterfield U3A
Meryl had lots of questions about Grandma’s baking from this knowledgeable group who meet in the
town with the crooked spire.
15 Oct Belles
of St Henry’s WI
The
Belles venue was certainly a very interesting place to find in the Derwent
Valley. Meryl loved the photo they put
on theirFacebook Belles of St Henry's
15 Oct
Bawtry Ladies Luncheon Club
Meryl was invited to a very pleasant lunch with Banana & Nut dessert –
just like Grandma’s Banana Nut Loaf - perfect. Everyone enjoyed the talk and
managed to find room for a piece of cake too!
13 Oct
Wheatley Hills Senior Citizens
Meryl went back to this afternoon group to talk about the History of
Afternoon tea. They have lots of interesting activities and were planning a
trip to Doncaster’s famous Mansion House to sample ‘Afternoon tea’. They know
all the rules now!
12 Oct
Thorpe March Ladies
Another visit to
this group who love meeting and having fun. Meryl baked Grandma’s Orange cake
in a ring tin this time. They said it could be one of their 5-a –day! Julie
wrote a lovely card too.
12 Oct
Swallownest Ladies
Meryl had a lovely
time with this afternoon group. We sang ‘Happy
birthday’ to a member who was 90 years young! She said that Grandma’s cake
was just perfect for the celebration!
6 Oct Caunton WI
Meryl had a fantastic time at Floral Media. The
group wrote on the ‘Thankyou Meryl for an insight into traditional recipes
created by your Grandma. It s lovely to see you still using her recipes and
spreading her legacy today!’
5 Oct Herringthorpe Monday Club
Meryl inspired the
group to do more baking – well, that’s what they said when they bought Grandma’s
book!
September 15
30 Sept
Swinton House Group
Meryl
enjoyed going to this informal group who meet once a month but later in the evening
than many groups. Meryl called them the ‘Night Owls’ – and they still ate all
the Coffee cake!
3 Sept
Whiston WI
Meryl enjoyed talking to this group about
her Grandma’s baking. They were intrigued by the stories of being ‘in service’
and had lots of stories from their own relatives to share.
3 Sept
Warmsworth WI
Meryl had a lovely time with this group,
talking about Grandma’s life and her baking. They enjoyed the
cakes and were keen to hear all about the legacy of Grandma’s baking. They’ve
booked again for ‘The History of Afternoon Tea’ at the same time next year (for
more cake!)
August 15
19 Aug Armthorpe Library The History of Afternoon tea
Meryl had a wonderful
afternoon with visitors to Armthorpe Library. The volunteers had put on a marvellous
spread. You can read about the feedback on the
4 Aug Thorne WI The History of Afternoon tea
This
group was having fun planning for their entries at the Epworth Show later in
the summer. They said Grandma’s cakes were an inspiration! Good luck with the
baking!
July 15
20 Jul Clifton Park and Museum Friends
Meryl's return visit to the Clifton Park and Museum Friends was to tell them the story of Afternoon tea. The group knew all about Boston Castle in Rotherham and were holding an Afternoon tea event there later that month.
17 & 18 Jul WW1 Life on the Home Front at Cusworth Hall and Gardens Doncaster
Meryl had fantastic support from Lucy, Emma and Martin over the 2 days she spent baking recipes from the World World 1 era as part of Doncaster 1914-18 project. The recipes were based on letters sent home from soldiers at the front about what they liked best.
16 Jul Kiveton Park & Wales Local History Group
This group had much to say about their own family members who had been in service - some had travelled long distances on foot to start work.
15 Jul Emmanuel Church Barnsley
There was't a crumb left when Meryl served out Grandma's tasty cakes. One member said she had a recipe for 'courting cake' which sounds intriguing!
14 Jul Harlington & Barnburgh Mothers Union
Meryl really enjoyed meeting members of this group, some of whom remembered Grandma's sister, Edith and her son, Cedric and daughter in law, Louisa who lived in the village. One member actually lived next door!
1 Jul Chapeltown Ladies
This group enjoyed Grandma's cakes and her story on this lovely summer's evening.
June 15
30 Jun Warmsworth Ladies
Meryl paid a repeat visit to this group
to talk about ‘the History of Afternoon tea’ just one month after her first
visit. They couldn’t wait to sample another set of Grandma’s cakes! They are a
fabulous group with a great sense of humour!
25 Jun Treeton Local
History Group
Meryl was intrigued to
hear the story of Boston Castle, Rotherham which was
3 Jun Aston Friends
& Neighbours
Meryl had a very warm welcome to this
afternoon group.They said they
May 15
27 May Misson &
Springs WI
Meryl told this group that they showed
her the best way to relax - with a glass of wine and a slice of cake! And
in return they said how much they enjoyed learning all about Grandma's
baking!
20 May Doncaster Unison
This audience at the Doncaster Museum and
Art Gallery shared lots of interesting details about their own relatives who
had been ‘in service’. Grandma’s cakes went down well with just a few pieces
for the kind museum staff who helped Meryl set up.
19 May Tankersley Ladies
Group
Meryl had a great welcome from the ladies
who invited her to lunch– a delicious pork, apple and stuffing sandwich which
went down well with Grandma’s cakes.
13 Moss & District
Ladies
Meryl was the first speaker in the new
Community Hall in Moss. It’s a wonderful building and will be a great asset for
the community.
11 May Hatfield Local
History Society
Meryl enjoyed talking to this group on a
lovely sunny afternoon. They were holding a spring fair a few days later and
said hearing about Grandma’s baking inspired them to get baking!
5 May Warmsworth Ladies
Group
Meryl had a lovely card from Margot who
said it had been a delightful evening. She also said she was looking forward to
wowing her family with a whole new variety of cakes!
April 15
8 April Woodsetts WI
Meryl had a lovely vote of thanks from
Iris. She was first in line to buy Grandma’s book. Everyone enjoyed the cakes
and biscuits too!
March 15
23 Mar Gawber Ladies
Meryl enjoyed a return visit to this
group to talk about the History of Afternoon tea. The ladies all enjoyed the
cakes again too and sent a lovely card for my birthday!
16 Mar Aston Ladies
Meryl brightened up a rainy afternoon
with Grandma’s Orange Cake. It’s always a favourite!
12 Mar Haxey &
Westwoodside Local History
Meryl paid a repeat visit to this group
to talk about the History of Afternoon tea – and they said it was so
interesting – they just had to sample all the cakes!
9 Mar Gleadless Ladies
Meryl told this group all about all the
elements of Afternoon Tea, including the correct way to stir your tea!
2 Mar Stocksbridge and
Deepcar TWG
It was snowing outside but the Afternoon
Tea and Ginger Cake warmed everyone up. What a lot of activities this group
does to support their local community! Keep on with it all!
February 15
17 Feb Furlong Road
What a thrill for Meryl to go back to
Furlong Road, her Grandma’s church and talk to the group about Afternoon Tea. We
all had a great chat afterwards, remembering Grandma and of course tasting her
scrumptious cakes!
12 Feb Tickhill
Countrywomen
Meryl was on her 2
11 Feb Badsworth WI
Meryl enjoyed talking to this group about
her Grandma’s baking. They were intrigued by the stories of being ‘in service’
and had lots of anecdotes of their own to share.
10 Feb Braithwell
Countrywomen
Meryl judged the group’s competition
which was about old Cookery books. They were all amazing so it was so hard to
choose. They all deserved a prize! What a collection!
9 Feb Thorpe Marsh
Ladies
Meryl had a fantastic reception from this
jolly group. They loved her talk (and cakes!) so much asked her to go back
again in October.
5 Feb Stainforth Local
History
Meryl met a member of this group who had
relatives who knew all about Grandma and her baking, including Cynthia who used
to work on Bolton on Dearne railway station! It certainly made the phrase
‘small world’ come true!
4 Feb Hallam Ridgeway WI
It was cold and icy outside but Meryl had
a heartwarming welcome to this group who enjoyed hearing all about the History
of Afternoon Tea. One member brought along her copy of ‘Tea at Reids’ from
Madeira which is a very interesting read.
4 Feb Dronfield
Townswomen
Meryl met a lovely lady called Jean who
later sent her mother’s copy of Woman’s Own Complete Cookery in its original
packaging dated 23 Sept 1935. Meryl will certainly treasure this.
3 Feb Wombwell Probus
Meryl had a warm welcome to this large
group who sat in a circle to hear all about Grandma and her baking. They loved
the Seed Cake and all the other cakes – not a crumb left! And baking fan Barrie
sent me a recipe for Yorkshire Brack which I can’t wait to try!
January 15
21 Jan Owston Ferry
& Haxey WI
Meryl braved the icy weather to talk to
the group in Owston Ferry and share Grandma’s story and cakes. She judged the
competition but found it very hard to pick out the best plates – they were
all beautiful!
8 Jan Blyth WI
Meryl was very privileged to meet the
cousin of the late Dorothy Clay who had been in service at
Hodsock Priory. Dorothy had been a member of the WI branch at Blyth and had
told her story about her life in service.
7 Jan Bessacarr Ladies
Luncheon Club
Meryl was invited to lunch with the
Ladies at their favourite restaurant before telling them all about Grandma and
her baking. They just managed to find room to sample Grandma’s cakes as
well!
2014
December/November 14
#Christmasgifts Meryl
supported a number of local charities from sales ofGrandma
Abson’s Traditional Baking book over the Christmas period
includingReg Charity No:
1150857 and
27 Nov Chat Room
Sprotbrough
Chris writes : Just to say thank you for
coming with your talk and bringing all those cakes etc. It was a really
good afternoon and it was clear it was enjoyed by all; in fact they kept coming
up to the hatch while we were washing up and saying how much they had
enjoyed the afternoon.
26 Nov Norton WI
Meryl enjoyed a buffet supper with the
group after her talk about Grandma’s baking and received this lovely thank you
card.
13 Nov Rawmarsh WI
It was a real trip down memory lane
at this morning group when a member of the audience came and said they
remembered me as a little girl wearing a bonnet and scarf! Someone also said
they lived near Oakleigh where Grandma was in service. It's still there so I’ll
have to pay a visit!
12 Nov Chapeltown WI
Meryl heard some interesting anecdotes
about times in service from members of this group. It was a hard life for many
getting up at 4.30 to light the fires for the ranges.
11 Nov Floral
Media Caunton Newark
How to make festive gifts from
Grandma Abson’s Traditional baking book. Meryl had an amazing morning
making homemade gifts at this brilliant venue near Newark, Nottinghamshire. It
was fantastic to have a sous-chef too – many thanks to Stephen and also to
Paula for making me so welcome. We stopped to remember the fallen at 11.00 a.m.
10 Nov St Thomas Worsborough
Grandma’s baking is going far and wide.
Meryl wrote messages for members buying copies of Grandma’s book for recipients
in San Francisco and Melbourne!
3 Nov Bawtry Mayflower
Primary School
Meryl had a great time with the Year 6
class. Kate wrote
October 14
26 Oct Halloween at Cusworth
Hall
There was something for
everyone with ghostly stories and some spooky recipes from Grandma Abson’s
baking.
24 Oct Off the Shelf
Stocksbridge Library
Sheffield
Meryl talked to a very inquisitive
audience about The History of Afternoon Tea. They then tucked into a cornucopia
of homemade baking. This was a very well attended event and part of Sheffield’s
‘Off the Shelf’ Festival of Words and we had cake too! See the Review!
21 Oct Doncaster Mature Action Gp
Meryl enjoyed meeting the MAGs. The Dutch
Apple Cake from Grandma’s book proved a winner to celebrate Apple Day.
13 Oct SY Centre
Inclusive Living
Meryl enjoyed a return visit to SYCIL,
this time to talk about Afternoon Tea. The group are well practised at this as
they have Afternoon Tea every time they meet. Baking fanatic Harry made a yummy
Victoria Sandwich cake too.
3 Oct Montague Primary
School
Meryl had a great time doing a literacy
and numeracy session all about what she has to do when she sells Grandma’s
baking books and her job as a presenter and writer about Grandma’s baking.
The children made her feel very welcome.
August 14
26 Aug St Aidan’s
Church, Wheatley
Meryl enjoyed a lovely sunny
afternoon with the Senior Cits talking about Grandma’s baking and sharing her
cakes. They’ve asked her back again next year already!
12 Aug Barnsley
Rotary Dodworth
This was Meryl’s second visit to
the group, this time Meryl talking about Grandma’s Dream Cake prize was
a great hit!
July 14
29 Jul The Scott
Practice Doncaster
Grandma’s Healthy
Traditional Baking Meryl had a very enjoyable afternoon talking to the Scott
Practice’s Patients Participation Group at St John’s Church, Balby. There was
afternoon tea and a lot of healthy eating chat as well as a very healthy
Orange Cake.
17 Jul Brinsworth TW
Grandma's homemade cakes went down a
treat on a lovely summer’s afternoon with this jolly group of ladies.
16 Jul Laxton
Heritage
Meryl thoroughly enjoyed talking to this
group - they really are a proactive group with lots going on in this famous
village in Notts. They loved the cakes especially Seed Cake and
bought lots of Grandma’s books for their Bake off later in the year.
3 July Bramley
Townswomen
Meryl met a lot of baking experts at this
morning TW group. She had a great time and sold loads of Grandma’s baking
books! It must have been the Orange Cake which tempted everyone to get baking!
It was a special Tour de France cake for the occasion.
June 14
11 Jun Cantley Methodist
Church
Meryl had a warm welcome to the group in
Cantley with a special technical expert to project the presentation onto the
huge screen. Grandma’s cakes in huge glorious technicolour! And the cakes went
down well too!
6 Jun Rotherham Cancer Care trust
Meryl was Guest Speaker
with her talk on The
History of Afternoon Tea in aid of Rotherham Cancer Care Centre group at
the Wharncliffe Restaurant, Rotherham College of Arts & Technology
May 14
31 May DonMentia at The Point
Meryl was delighted to support the DonMentia event at The Point. DonMentia fundraises
for Doncaster
people affected by dementia.
28 May Age Well Group
Wombwell
Meryl had a lovely afternoon with the Age
Wellers. They loved Grandma’s Orange cake and said I should have baked at least
four more Orange cakes!
15 May Woodsetts Local
History Group
Meryl talked about the history of
Grandma’s baking to the members of the group who meet in the lovely church building at
Woodsetts. She met a former work colleague there who gave Meryl’s talk
10/10!
April 14
29 Apr Bentley Methodist Church
Glynis writes : Thank you Meryl for
your interesting and informative talk this evening for the Bentley Methodist
Church Women's Association.’
11 Apr Danum Lacemakers & Crafts , Doncaster
Meryl heard some great stories from this
group about their own craft skills. They admired Grandma’s sewing handiwork
too. Her tablecloth always gets admiring glances (as well as the baking!)
9 Apr Breakaway Group,
Doncaster
Meryl had a fun time with this group who
explained they ‘breakaway’ to do their own things! Fortunately eating
cakes and baking were ‘things’ they love to do!
8 Apr Swinton
Townswomen, Rotherham
Meryl talked to the group about the
inspiration she had to create a book and ebook from her Grandma’s recipes and
to bring her baking alive to a new generation!
7 Apr Wickersley
Methodist Group, Rotherham
Meryl had a fabulous welcome to this
lovely group. They said that they thoroughly enjoyed the evening,
especially Grandma’s homemade cakes.
2 April Wickersley Ladies, Rotherham
Meryl talked about baking to this popular
group. As well as sampling Grandma’s baking, they had organised their own
cake stall to raise funds for a local charity. It was a real #cakefest!
March 14
17 Mar Kairos Group
Retford, Notts
Meryl spent a lovely afternoon with this
group who enjoyed a special taste of the Mothering Sunday All in one Cake made
from Grandma’s Victoria Sandwich recipe.
5 Mar Sprotbrough Wives,
Doncaster
Meryl was on local territory with friends
from the past who said they were inspired by Grandma’s story and
especially her traditional homemade baking.
4 Mar Aston Ladies Circle
Meryl had a great time with this group,
talking about Grandma’s life and her baking. The ladies certainly enjoyed the
cakes and were keen to hear all about the legacy of baking.
February 14
25 Feb Mexborough Local Historical Society
This was the first time Meryl had done a
talk about Grandma and her baking in a pub: The Ferryboat Inn, Mexborough! The
group were very knowledgeable about dates and local history but learnt a few
new facts about traditional baking! The cakes (and ale) went down well too!
20 Feb Hoyland Springfield Ladies, Barnsley
Meryl had a very warm welcome to this
lovely group. Penny said that they all thoroughly enjoyed the evening and
found it most entertaining and informative, as well as enjoying Grandma’s
homemade cakes. The ladies who bought Grandma’s book are all busy baking away.
15 Feb Free Cakes for Kids Sheffield
BBC Radio Sheffield’s Andy Kershaw bought
Meryl’s Valentine's Day cake. He tweeted that this was the best Valentine cake ever!
11 Feb
Athersley Primary
School, Barnsley
Meryl had a fantastic time with her
youngest audience yet at Athersley Primary School, Barnsley. She was taking
part in the’ Primary Futures Project’ to support how business people use their
literacy and numeracy skills in their business lives. She felt very privileged
to work with the Year 6 pupils. They've invited Meryl back to their school to
bake with them in their baking club so watch this space! Read about
it and see the photo in the
January 14
27 Jan After Eight Group Abbeydale, Sheffield
Meryl signed lots of copies of Grandma’s
baking book for the group members in Totley. It was a dark and dismal evening
but the welcome was warm and inviting.
25 Jan Bake off : Sheffield Cancer Mafia
Meryl had a lovely welcome at the
Sheffield Cancer Mafia Bake Off. She made a special St Clement's Cake. The
group raised over £200 forYorkshire Cancer Research Well done to all involved.
20 Jan Aston-cum-Aughton Local History
Members of the group found much to ask
about Grandma’s time ‘in service’, her baking and life on the railway
station. And of course, the cakes went down a real treat!
16 Jan Goldthorpe WI, Barnsley
Meryl really enjoyed going back to
Goldthorpe very near to where she grew up. Some of the members remembered
Grandma’s famous baking and loved reminiscing over the cakes and biscuits from
Grandma’s repertoire. Meryl had to judge a competition of the most unusual
baking implement!
15 Jan High Level WI Thorne Doncaster
Meryl needed an escort to find the
amazing farmhouse venue for the group. But it was a brilliant turnout and she
enjoyed talking to the group and sharing memories of Grandma’s baking.
2013
December 13
14 Dec Rotherham
Heritage Society
Grandma's Ginger Cake proved to be the
hit of the morning - as well as Shortbread biscuits, Mince
pies with home made mincemeat, Boxing Day Cake with dates and honey –
enjoying trying out some of Grandma’s
favourite Christmas recipes....
2 Dec Victorian Evening Cannon Hall, Barnsley
Meryl showed off her Grandma's
skills baking traditional Christmas recipes for the guests at the
Victorian Evening at Cannon Hall.
1 Dec Getting
Ready for Christmas in the Country House
Meryl was back in Great Kitchen in the
1890s, making some of the delights which would have been eaten by guests and
children over the festive period in the late Victorian Country House. The
Lavender shortbread was a real favourite!
November 13
30 Nov Samaritans
50th Anniversary charity
A signed copy of Grandma’s book was one
of the prizes at this event.
28 Nov Aurora & Friends Christmas Shopping
Visitors saw how to make those special homemade gifts from Grandma's book and tasted her favourite Christmas recipes.
23 Nov Christmas gifts Cook N' Dine Lakeside
Meryl was back again by popular demand
showing customers how to make tasty treats for Christmas edible gifts.
17 Nov Doncaster Tourist Information Centre
Meryl called in with a
special Yorkshire Cake to congratulate the team at Visit
Doncaster
Meryl enjoyed talking to the Wombwell
Salvation Army Group about the inspiration she had to create a book and ebook
from her Grandma’s recipes and to bring her baking alive to a new generation!
October 13
28 Oct St Mary’s Worsborough
Meryl talked about Grandma’s life and her
traditional baking with the group at St Mary’s. They all had tales to tell
from their family members, great aunts, grandmas and great grandmas in
service.
26 Oct Rotherham Heritage Fair
Meryl signed copies of
Grandma’s Traditional baking book at Rotherham’s popular Local History and
Heritage fair, showcasing dozens of groups from across the borough at Rotherham
Minster. Grandma's Yorkshire Parkin was very popular too!
15 Oct Spirit Barnsley
Meryl's talk about her
Grandma's baking and cakes and biscuits brought back lots of memories for the
Spirit group at King Street Centre, Barnsley. The project is supported by South
West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust. It was #Chocolateweek so that
was the excuse to eat all Grandma's Chocolate Cake (and Shrewsbury biscuits and
Marmalade Spice Cake ....!) Well, you have to sample everything!
September
13
27 Sept MacMillan Cancer
Support
Meryl joined in the World’s
Biggest Coffee Morning at The Waterfront Restaurant, Doncaster
College to support this fantastic event.
28 & 29 Sept
A signed copy of Grandma’s book was one
of the prizes at this event hosted by The Brompton Cookery School in support of
the Shropshire RCC Carers Appeal.
Lovely message back to say they had
raised £5000. Well done!
13 Sept Charity Ball Lancaster
Lancaster & District Homeless Action
Service Ltd held a charity ball to raise funds for this worthwhile cause. A signed copy of Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking book will be one of the prizes at the event. Happy #baking to the
winning ticket!
9 Sept Spirit Barnsley
After joining in their fitness exercises,
Meryl talked to the Spirit group members at Birdwell Methodist Church,
Barnsley. The project is supported by South West Yorkshire Partnership
Foundation Trust. They loved hearing all about Grandma and eating up the baking
samples!
August 13
28 Aug Doncaster
Carers group
Meryl's talk and cakes went down very
well at the Doncaster Carers group Drop In session. The group
had stories about their relatives 'in service' too.
1 Aug Yorkshire
Day
Meryl dropped by Doncaster Tourist
Information Centre with Yorkshire Parkin and Doncaster Royal Butterscotch Cake
to celebrate Yorkshire Day.
July 13
Meryl spent two enjoyable days in The
Great Kitchen at Cusworth Hall. The staff took visitors on a tour of the Hall
to discover the life of children in the Hall from the family who owned the
house to the stable boy who looked after the horses. In the kitchen it was all
about what Charles and Barbara ate in Edwardian times and sampling what Meryl
had been baking. But it was hard work and she was pleased to put her feet
up!
June 13
13 Jun Tickhill
Countrywomen’s Group
Over 70 countrywomen came to hear Meryl's
talk about Grandma’s life and her traditional baking and they ate all the
cakes and one member told us about her own life in service in Bradford -
wow!
8
Jun Sprotbrough Bake–Off
Meryl had a hard task judging biscuits
and cakes at the Bake-Off in aid of Rafiki Children’s Home, Ghana. The
winner baked an amazing chocolate cake!
6 Jun DRI Gynecological Support Group
Meryl enjoyed sharing her baking
experiences with the Cancer Support group. They were definitely a boisterous
lot who asked lots of questions. Fortunately she had the answers!
April 13
Clifton
Park Museum Rotherham
Meryl had a fantastic time
baking shortbread on the restored Yorkshire Range alongside the Friends of
Clifton Park Museum. It was a proper baking challenge! The shortbread biscuits
soon disappeared with the visitors saying they were the best they had
ever tasted! And I really got into it so made Grandma's Oat
Ginger biscuits too!
10 Apr Crowle & Eland Mothers’ Club
Meryl enjoyed talking to the Crowle &
Eland Mothers’ Club. She picked up a recipe for Chantilly Cake - no cream or
lace! - and will be trying this out for a future blog post.
9 Apr Grenoside
Ladies
Following the successful talk at
Sheffield Library last year, Meryl White was invited to Sheffield to talk
about Grandma’s life and her traditional baking. She had a great response from
the group.
5 Apr Cake and Bake Show
Manchester
Meryl went to the Cake and Show in
Manchester. She spotted some famous TV faces and amazing cake creations.
See Meryl’s Cake
and Bake photos
March 13
15 Mar
Doncaster
College Bake Off
Meryl was
in excellent company with Lisa Pyott – Chef Lecturer – Female Chef
of the Year, Gold Medal Winner at Hotel Olympia and Jessica Mycroft – VRQ
Level 2 Professional Cookery Student who excels in Patisserie - judging the bake off competition for the best Victoria sponge.
Ready, get
set, bake! Students at the College raised over
£1300 for Comic Relief during the day
14
Mar Aurora Easter Fayre
Mexborough
Shoppers sampled the tastes from times
gone by and picked up a great personalised Easter gift! Meryl signed
copies of her recipe book
14 Mar Women Inspiring Women Group
Meryl talked to the group about the
inspiration she had to create a book and ebook from her Grandma’s recipes and
to bring her baking alive to a new generation! #downthegenerations
9 Mar
Waterstones
Doncaster
Meryl was at Waterstones,
Doncaster just before Mothering Sunday to sign copies of her brilliant
book. The staff did their own Comic Relief bake off with recipes from Grandma's
book, battling for the crown of Baking King/Queen. The Butterfly buns won
by a short head from the Orange Cake but the Shortbreads, Gingerbread Men were
close behind. Around £70 went off to Comic Relief!
5 Mar Armthorpe WI
Meryl had a great time talking about
Grandma’s life and her traditional baking with members of Armthorpe WI.
February 13
Hodsock Priory Snowdrops
Meryl had a fantastic time during the
fabulous Snowdrop Village festival at Hodsock Priory, talking about traditional
baking, just like Grandma’s, in the early 1900s, the Second World War, when
Land Girls lived at Hodsock, and the recipes collected by the
family. Hodsock has fantastic memories for Meryl as her daughter (Grandma
Abson’s great granddaughter) held her wedding reception there on a blissfully
hot sunny day in October 2011.
Photo courtesy
© Chris Chambers Photography
28 Feb Chat Room Sprotbrough Methodists
Nostalgia in the air when Meryl went
'chatting' about her Grandma, her baking and sharing her recipes. Everyone
loved the Marmalade Spice Cake recipe!
21 Feb Cusworth
Hall Friends
Meryl was back at Cusworth Hall talking with the Friends
about Grandma’s life in service and her collection of baking
recipes. Comment from Sheila Bury artist Facebook : Thank you for a very entertaining
presentation at Cusworth Hall this evening, it was very enjoyable, and the
cakes were scrumptious.
18 Feb Harlington
& Barnburgh WI
Meryl White loved talking about Grandma’s
life and her traditional baking. Lots of nostalgia for baking with
over 60 WI members in Barnburgh, the village just 3 miles from where
Grandma lived.The evening started with a hearty rendition of 'Jerusalem'.
Awesome!
17 Feb Backstairs
and Bell Pulls - The Hidden Life of Cusworth Hall’s Edwardian Servants
Discovering what it was like to be
‘in service’ in the Great Kitchen at Cusworth Hall.
14 Feb Haxey &
Westwoodside Heritage Society
Meryl talked about Grandma’s life and her
traditional baking. She’s shared her passion for baking on Valentine's Day with
members of the Haxey and Westwoodside Heritage Society. who made a date with
Grandma's Valentine's baking! P.S. Many thanks to George (pictured) from
the Camera Club with his help with the projector!
11 Feb Afternoon
tea South Yorkshire Inclusive Living
Meryl had afternoon tea with the
Inclusive Living Group and talking about Grandma's baking.
5 Feb The Great Kitchen, The
Mansion House, Doncaster
Final year undergraduate Media students
from the University of Huddersfield were filming Meryl demonstrating her Grandma's recipes in the Great Kitchen in the Mansion House.
January 13
10 Jan Dinnington
Townswomen
Meryl talked about Grandma’s long
life and shared her passion for baking with members of
Comment from Stef : Many thanks for a great
evening last night, We all thoroughly enjoyed it!
2012
December
20 Dec Waterstones Derby
Meryl signed copies of her Grandma Abson’s
Traditional Baking book. Customers enjoyed tasting the samples Meryl had baked.
1 Dec Cook N'Dine Lakeside Village Doncaster
Grandma Abson's Traditional Christmas Baking
Meryl demonstrated how to make tasty
Christmas traditional delights from her Grandma’s collection of recipes
and get ahead with Festive Baking!
November 2012
29 Nov Aurora
Christmas Fayre Kirk Sandall
Meryl signed copies
of her recipe book Grandma Abson’s Traditional Baking. Visitors
sampled tastes from times gone in a great personalised Christmas gift!
23 Nov Waterstones Bradford
Author
Meryl White was at Waterstones Bradford wool Exchange signing copies of her
cookbook Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking, a great book that is simple and easy to follow and has
some very tasty family recipes.
17 Nov Urmston Bookshop
Meryl enjoyed signing books at the independent Urmston bookshop. Grandma's sisters were 'in service’ in Manchester. Meryl remembered
Emma's fabulous Rock Buns and Ivy's delicious Coconut macaroons and lots of
other tempting delights for Christmas from
16 Nov Waterstones Leeds
Meryl White signed copies of her recipe book and raised £45.00 for Children in
Need from Waterstones Leeds lovely customers!
3
Nov Waterstones Doncaster
Customers celebrated Bonfire Night with
Meryl, who was signing copies of her mouth watering Grandma's recipe book.
October
27 Oct Waterstones Derby
Celebrate
Halloween with Meryl White, who will be signing copies of her recipe book Grandma Abson’s Traditional Baking. Sample
some tastes from times gone by and pick up a great personalised gift!
22 Oct Gawber Ladies Community
Centre, Barnsley
Grandma
Abson's Traditional Baking talk and taste about Grandma's life and
baking by Meryl White.
20 Oct Rotherham Local History and Heritage Fair
Showcasing dozens of groups from across
the borough in Rotherham Minster, Meryl
White, author of Grandma Abson’s
Traditional Baking signed copies
of her book on the Friends of Clifton Park Museum stand.
15 Oct
Meryl talked to the Friends of Clifton
Park Museum about her Grandma's life and her homemade delights from her
recipes.
1 Oct Gleadless URC Ladies Circle, Sheffield
Meryl enjoyed talking to the group about Grandma's life and baking. Everyone enjoyed the cakes which Meryl had baked for the members.
August
2012
24 Aug Waterstones York
Meryl White signed copies of her recipe book
June 2012
4 Jun Picnic in the
Park at The Canch, Worksop
Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
with a Picnic in the park with entertainment, games, balloon race and stalls
and refreshments and lots more. Here's a winner of Grandma's baking competition
too! Proceeds to fundraising charity
2 Jun
Tourist Information
Centre
Royal Doncaster Butterscotch Jubilee
Celebration Cakes based on Event kindly
supported by : Sainsburys & Taylors of Harrogate. Donations to the
May 2012
23 May Success Doncaster Business Showcase
Meryl White will be offering samples of
cakes, teabreads, biscuits and scones from her Grandma’s collection of
traditional recipes and talking about her book. Signed copies of Grandma Abson’s
Traditional Baking
19 May
Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking book was on sale at the Celebration Weekend to support the refurbishment of the Community Hall.
7 May Bank Holiday
Monday CookNDine Lakeside Village
Meryl White will be demonstrating how to
make tasty treats from her Grandma’s collection of recipes.
4 May
Meryl White will be talking about
Grandma’s life and her traditional baking. She’ll be sharing her passion for
baking with the Townswomen group in Doncaster.
Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking book
on sale in support of the MS Society.
1 May Sheffield
Central Lending Library
Author
Meryl White will be talking about her remarkable grandmother and sharing from
the book she inspired her to write “Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking”
Email: centrallending.library@sheffield.gov.uk
This event is free.
March 12
Meet
author, Meryl White. Taste some of Grandma’s recipes and have a
chat about baking! Signed copies of Grandma
Abson’s Traditional Baking on sale.
February 12
Snowdrops
at Hodsock
Grandma Abson’s Traditional
Baking book
was on sale in the luxurious Tearoom at Hodsock Priory during the snowdrop
season. A magical place to visit and enjoy the first snowdrops heralding the
start of spring.
17 Feb
There was sampling and scoring
Butterscotch recipes based on Grandma Abson’s baking to pick a winner for the
Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in Doncaster ! Difficult decision making!
2011
December/November 2011
Meryl was busy signing copies
of Grandma Abson’s Traditional Baking at
19 Nov Stir Up Sunday at
Cusworth Hall
Meryl was cook in charge in The Great
Kitchen. There were lots of visitors eager to learn how to make Plum Pudding
just like Grandma, following her sister’s Emma’s foolproof recipe!
16 Nov Hands on in
Chiswick
A baking party for Chiswick Boot Camp
members with a all hands-on demonstration of Grandma’s tastiest
baking. Sarah Allen Cruz
25 Sept Barnsley
Rotary
Meryl talked about Grandma's life
and baking but more importantly here's the winner of Grandma’s Paradise
Cake!
15 Sept Rotherham
Cancer Care Centre
Meryl talked about
her Grandma’s time as a cook-housekeeper in Edwardian times and long life
baking for family and friends, with traditional, simple and tasty recipes.
Proceeds in aid of Rotherham Cancer Care Trust
11 Sept
Afternoon tea
The Hens enjoy the perfect Victoria
Sponge Cake with Grandma’s prizewinning recipe for a perfect hen party!
6 Sept Furlong Road Ladies Group
Meryl talked about her
Grandma's life and her homemade delights to Grandma’s old friends at Furlong
Road Methodist Church, Bolton on Dearne. They remembered her sumptuous cakes
and apple pies – so the pressure was on to make the tastiest treats!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.