Grasmere Gingerbread - Makers of fine Cumbrian Confectionery since 1854

The Gingerbread Makers!
We pride ourselves in our team at The Gingerbread Shop – the environment and community is small so everyone works very closely together. Two of our staff have worked for the Wilson family for over 20 years, and some have just joined the team.

So you can get to know who those busy bodies are behind the scenes, and to also recognise the different faces behind the counter we have gathered some information about us all.

Click here to read about the Acknowledgment of 20 years service for 2 members of staff.

Andrew and Joanne with Yasmine, Eden Rose and Eamont.

Joanne Wilson
Age and where from: Joanne is 43 years old and is from Grasmere (born in Kendal, Cumbria), she now resides in Penrith with her family and near to her parents Margaret and Gerald Wilson and her brother Neil.
Role in business: Joanne took over the management of the business with her partner in 2000 and undertakes various activities but mainly marketing, PR, retail, personnel, training, etc, etc…Joanne initiated the website and the development of the mail order.
Joanne’s parents bought the business from her great Aunt Mary when Joanne was one year old. Her infant years were dominated by her parents running the business and would stand on a box to see over the counter. In her teenage years she would do the holiday and Saturday girl bit but was often reprimanded by her father for being late! After several years working within the tourism and marketing industry she decided it was about time to take the reins!
About her: Joanne a mother of 3 children – Yasmine 14, Eden Rose 9 and Eamont 7, works from shop, home and juggles all the elements of work, home and children – infact she performs much better when under pressure! Joanne loves food and nice movies – dreams about having a weekend as a family (husband always works Saturdays). Really enjoys watching Coronation Street!
Most interesting happening at work: Loves TV – great fun! When little used to wear lost property when serving behind the counter!
How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: with freshly brewed coffee and slightly warm. Loves the Ginger Iced Parfait on the recipe page.

Andrew Hunter
Age and where from: Age 42, originally from Sunderland but spent most of his life working in the Middle East, now resides in Penrith with Joanne and family.
Role in business: Chief ‘Gingerbread Man’ and only mixer of the secret ingredients. Andrew is also the day-to-day manager of the bakery and shop; he joined the business with Joanne in 2000.
About him: Before making Gingerbread Andrew couldn’t even boil and egg! He still can’t boil an egg, but makes great Gingerbread! He loves everything about the business. Before coming to the UK he worked in engineering in Qatar, Saudi, Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Life here is very different but says he will never go back – only for holidays. Doesn’t have any spare time – but loves good food, fast cars, reading, and golf. He also watches Coronation Street with Joanne.
Most interesting happening at work: Everyday!
How does he like to eat THE Gingerbread: On it’s own!

	Amanda Age and where from: 19 from Lamonby (Near Penrith) Role in business: General Assistant – mainly in the bakery, but also works behind the shop counter, and out and about at shows. How long in business: Since April 2010, and settling in very well! About Amy: Always busy doing something, full of energy and very socialable. Is always out and about with friends at various events. An active member of Skelton Young Farmers. Enjoys music; both listening and performing and when she finds the time likes to relax by either playing piano or violin. She is also very good at baking – no surprise there then! Most interesting happening at work: Never getting tired of customers walking into the shop and saying “Ooo, what a lovely smell!” How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: Just as it comes...
	Amy Age and where from: 22 from Grasmere Role in business: Sales Assistant How long in business: The New Girl (Summer 2010) About Amy: Just finished a BA Hons degree in Fine Art Printmaking at Brighton University. Really glad to be back home in Grasmere. Interested in the history and heritage of the village, also the culture of Cumbria and tourism. Loves walking the fells where you will find her on the top creating one of her master pieces. Most interesting happening at work: Nothing as yet...but there will be! How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: With a cup of Earl Grey tea.
	John Age and where from: A young 53 from Thirlmere How long in business: 5 years Role in business: Working in bakery but Jack-of-All-Trades – Master of None! – Yet! (his words) About John: Having been born in a pub has spent his life within the catering industry. Enjoying life at The Gingerbread Shop. Most interesting happening: Listening to all the anecdotes about Gingerbread making! How does he eat his Gingerbread: With strong cheese!
	Nigel Age and where from: 51 lives in Grasmere, born in Ambleside, Cumbria but 3 generations of family from Grasmere. Role in business: Everything, except mixing and computer work! How long in business: 21 years! - See here About Nigel: Likes walking Lake District fells with dogs. Gardening, Chelsea FC, Red wine and malt whisky - but not in the same glass! Doesn’t like long queues of traffic, chewing gum and cigarette ends on pavement outside shop when he has to clean it up! Most interesting happening at work: Filming with Jilly Goolden for BBC Food and Drink programme. How does he like to eat his Gingerbread: With a nice glass of malt whisky in front of a log fire on a cold winter’s night.
	Ron Age and where from: Ron is a fit 70 year old! And originates from Burton upon Trent. Role in business: Baker How long in business: 8 years About Ron: Ron is married and has lived in Morecambe for 35 years. He has been a baker for 48 years, working in all types of bakery environments – from small units to large plant bakeries. He enjoys gardening, sailing and walking. Most interesting happening at work: Being on TV! How does he like to eat THE Gingerbread: Warm with Irish Coffee! (sounds lovely…)
	Steve Age and where from: A fit 54 year old! Lives in Grasmere and has done for the last 25 years. Originally from Yorkshire and always a Yorkshire man! Role in business: Baker and Chief Rum Butter maker – Steve’s Rum Butter making won Gold in ‘The Great Taste Awards 2002’. How long in the business: 21 years! - See here About him: Steve is a true family man – a real man about home and enjoys DIY, when he is looking for solitude – loves fishing in the Lakes. Most interesting happening at work: Meeting Dave Hill from pop group ‘Slade’! How does he like to eat his Gingerbread: With a nice cup of tea! A true Yorkshire man!
	Fay Age and where from: Aged 51 from Staveley Role in business: General Assistant – Fay is a real multi-tasker and works in both bakery and shop. How long in business: Since April 2011 – so the new ‘new girl’! About Fay: Master of many dogs and therefore walks a lot! When not walking the dogs loves reading Dick Francis Books. Most interesting happening at work: Meeting new people everyday and having her photograph taken so many times – she has a great smile! How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: As it comes!
	Yvonne Age and where from: Age 48 from Kendal Role in business: Seasonal Shop Assistant, but can be seen sometimes out and about at shows. Came on board to help at really busy times. How long in business: Not long (May 2011). About Yvonne: Married to Paul for 27 years, with two children – Lauren and Jack. Moved to Kendal in 2002 and loving life in the Lake District. She enjoys walking on the fells with her husband and her dog Gem. Is always very busy looking after family and her allotment. She loves baking for friends and family and will certainly be trying out some new recipes recently discovered on the Grasmere Gingerbread website. Most interesting happening at work: Going to shows, but looking forward to meeting a famous chef, hopefully Michel Roux Junior – we are hoping Yvonne! How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: Just as it comes at present but wait until she has tried some of the recipes!
	Tim Age and where from: 35, lives in Cockermouth but originally from Keswick. Role in business: Shop Supervisor How long in business: Started in May 2011 – the new boy! About Tim: Loves running and fell walking – need to be fit in this job! He is contemplating running in next year’s London marathon dressed as a Gingerbread Man – we will sponsor you Tim! Also attempting to write a crime/romance novel at the moment, but only 2 chapters so far - one for Fay to read when finished! Plays the occasional round of mediocre golf (not at the bosses level yet). Enjoys fine quality cigars from around the world, but only at birthdays and Christmas. Also collects small batch bourdon whiskies, which are enjoyed at more regular intervals than Christmas and birthday! Where does he find the time to do all of this? How does he like to eat THE Gingerbread: Crumbled up in soft vanilla ice-cream with hot chocolate sauce – naughty Tim!