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: 20 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.
	Diane Age and where from: 39 (but not for long) lives at Kendal, originally from Cheshire Role in business: Sales and Marketing Administrator How long in business: Since May 2010 About Diane: Visited shop as little girl and loves the Gingerbread so this is her dream job! Eager to learn something new, just learnt to ski and pilates, which she both loves. These join the existing list of passions and pleasures – walking, gardening, theatre, cinema and reading. Would like to even add to that list by improving her French and learning more about antiques. Creative person who enjoys all areas of design; colour, style, art and photography. Loves Paris, Isles of Scilly, family and friends. How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: To savour it – she adores it! Diane’s further recommendations: The new Sarah’s Ginger hand cream – she thinks it is fabulous (watch out friends you are all getting it for Christmas).
	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…)
	Sara Age and where from: 33 from West Sussex Role in business: Bakery Assistant for the summer How long in business: Since May 2010 About Sara: Born in Devon, but lived in West Sussex for 25 years. Worked in various jobs over the years to finance trips abroad. Loves mountains that is why she moved to the Lake District. Enjoys swimming and cycles to work when possible – means she can eat more Gingerbread! Most interesting happening at work: She is waiting patiently for Jamie Oliver to visit – don’t worry Sara we are sure there will be a celebrity visiting while you are here. How does she like to eat THE Gingerbread: Mainly nibbles broken pieces or the off-cuts from the wedding favours when taking her tea-break.
	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!
	Wendy Age and where from: 43, originally from Zambia Role in business: Sales Assistant How long in business: 6 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!)
	Wendy Jane Age and where from: 42 and from Kendal, always! Role in business: Sales Assistant How long in business: Started in 2008 season About Wendy: Super Mum! Married with 4 children which includes twins! Enjoys listening to her MP3 player whilst walking her dogs on summer days enjoying South Lakes. Likes to chill out with a glass of wine in the evening - where does she find the time? Most interesting happening at work: That her maiden name was ‘Nelson’ - could she be related?…. How does she eat her Gingerbread: Warm with a cuppa! Just before the working day begins (maybe she has not had time for breakfast with all those children!).