About

Growing up in an environment where home made food and shared meals were central to family life has played a significant role in developing my understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance of what we eat and how we eat it.

And since having my my son seven years ago, I have been fortunate to be able to make a total work-life change, pursue a career in food and build a life around striving to live more sustainably. This journey has encompassed everything from championing small Cornish producers by setting up Cornwall’s first artisan fresh food delivery company (Seriously Good), to eventually becoming an award winning small producer and caterer myself.

The simple truth is that I love to cook: big gutsy flavours and rustic fare using local and organic produce. I love the fact that I could cook everyday for the rest of my life and still have new things to try. How brilliant is that! I am never happier than when behind the scenes in the kitchen, eagerly whipping up something tasty to share with friends and family.

I am – in equal measure – proud and embarrassed to admit that I  had to be dragged away from catering my own wedding to ensure I made it to the service on time. (Fortunately my lovely and patient husband was happy to wait for me – and the fruits of my labour!). Food as expression of warmth, companionship, love and nurturing does it for me; it’s so simple, so honest, so why don’t more of us do it?

For the avoidance of doubt, inspite of all that cooking, I am not a professional craft baker. Before having my son, I worked in publishing (magazines and online) and latterly marketing and promotion (print and films). I am editor, commentator and campaigner first and keen amateur craft baker second.

My inspiration in writing and campaigning about access to good bread stems in part from my own early years, but has latterly been shaped by my involvement with organisations like Slow Food, The Real Bread Campaign and especially the work of Angela King and Sue Clifford of Common Ground. The Transition Towns movement continues to motivate me and influence my thinking.

And as a long standing member of Slow Food and more recently the Real Bread Campaign – having worked in a voluntary capacity as a founding member of Slow Food Cornwall; for Slow Food UK as an elected Director and currently as a member / contributor to the Real Bread Campaign’s Working Party – I believe in the power of standing up for what you believe in to bring about positive change. And I believe, with all humility and seriousness, that this is my duty not just to my son but to all the generations that may follow.