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 16 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.

Andrew and Joanne with Eamont, Eden Rose and Yasmine

Joanne Wilson
Age and where from: Joanne is 40 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 11, Eden Rose 6 and Eamont 4, works from 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 39, 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 holiday. Doesn’t have any spare time – but loves good food, fast cars, reading, and seeing his reflexologist. 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!

	Steve Age and where from: A fit 52 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: 18 years! 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!
	Ron Age and where from: Ron is a fit 68 year old! And originates from Burton upon Trent. Role in business: Baker How long in business: 5 years About him: 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…)
	Nigel Age and where from: The wrong side of 50 – but only just! 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: 18 years! 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.
	John Age and where from: A young 51 from Thirlmere How long in business: 2 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: Warm with strong black coffee!
	David Age and where from: A young 60 year old from Ambleside. Role in business: Bakery Assistant. How long in business: Since the spring of 2007. About David: He moved from Leicester and absolutely loves being in the Lakes; he says he will never live anywhere else now. Enjoys eating out – especially as there are loads of different places to eat in Cumbria. Also, loves gardening and walking to work those calories off! Most interesting happening: Filmed at work by Granada TV. How does he eat his Gingerbread: As it comes!
	Wendy Age and where from: 40, originally from Zambia Role in business: Sales Assistant How long in business: 2 years About Wendy: Loves the retail environment and has worked in such since leaving school, although has spent sometime travelling to wild and wonderful places. Loves to socialise with friends at weekends and loves working in the Lakes where she can meet lots of interesting people from different backgrounds. Most interesting happening at work: Hated always having photograph taken – but now loves it! How does she like to eat her Gingerbread: Straight from the oven! (so that’s why she keeps sneaking through into the kitchen!)
	Ann Age and where from: A very young 50, from Sussex. Role in business: Sales Assistant How long in the business: Over 2 years, originally came as holiday help but is now full-time. About Ann: She very much enjoys the outdoors. Swimming and walking are her two great pastimes, also reading. Most interesting happening: Meeting David Dimblebee – he did some filming for his series but never actually featured the takes in the programme. How does she like to eat her Gingerbread: Warm!