A Nantwich tutor has been singled out for praise by TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp for her cake-making skills.
Ann Turnbull reached the finals of a Channel 4 competition to find the UK’s best Gingerbread House Designer.
And Ann, who runs cake-making evening classes at Brine Leas School, was one of only four finalists selected to be featured on the channel’s show, Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas.
Ann, from Wheelock, near Crewe, has been sworn to secrecy until the programme is broadcast tonight (December 8).
Ann admits to being “absolutely delighted” with the judges comments on her creation.
The 54-year-old was invited to take part in the competition after accolades on her website attracted the attention of TV bosses.
“I first started making Gingerbread Houses about five years ago, after my hairdresser Mike wanted a bespoke gift for his nieces and nephews,” said Ann.
“Mike was thrilled with my original design, and largely through word-of-mouth and recommendations I’m now inundated with orders around this time of year.
But it’s not only at Christmas time her Gingerbread Houses are in demand.
“All of my seasonal and birthday houses are individually designed and each one has an extra surprise inside the house, making it all the more surprising when the house is finally devoured,” Ann added.
Ann is also a former regional finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards.
She’s used to working under pressure, but admits her first TV experience wasn’t as nerve-wracking as she’d feared.
“I think the adrenaline just kicked in, and all I could think about was gingerbread and getting it perfect,” she added.
“Kirstie made everyone feel very welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the competition.”
Ann’s business, Cakes Individually Iced, also produces bespoke celebration and wedding cakes, specialising in 3D designs such as cars, which can be identical replicas of the real thing.
She also made the 75th anniversary cake for Bentley Motors in Crewe.
“That was a mammoth order – it measured 5’ x 3’ and was an edible replica of the entire Crewe factory, complete with 160 miniature trees, people, and even the train which circles the site,” she added.
You can see Ann on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas tonight (December 8) on Channel 4 at 8pm.
Recent Comments