OVER-THE-MOON youngsters from Malvern St James Girls’ School have spoken of their delight after they got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase their baking skills to national treasure Mary Berry.
The famous Great British Bake-Off judge attended the four-day RHS Malvern Spring Festival as a headline guest on Saturday and during her visit was left wowed after tasting a cake made by a group of students to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.
The cake was made by school pupils Teagan Manning (Year 7), Libby Wallace (Year 7), Cicely Gallagher (Year 7), Carrigan Seal (Year 8) and Georgia Hughes (Year 8).
Mary Berry, known to millions of television viewers for being the expert judge on the award-wining BBC One show, was presented with the orange drizzle cake by the group in front of large crowd of visitors.
And excited pupils from the school said the experience was one of the best of their lives.
The girls remastered Nadiya Hussain’s – last year’s Great British Bake Off winner – drizzle cake, covering half in icing, red roses and formal pattern and on the other half a blue, red and white bunting with the number 90 made out of candied orange peel.
Speaking to the youngsters, Mary praised the cake highly and even took a slice before commenting on how lovely the orange flavour was.
Following their time on stage, the girls were invited to have a special chat with Mary where they told her about their passion for baking.
To top a wonderful afternoon off for the pupils, Mary signed the latest copy of her book with a personal message to each student.
Year 7 pupil Teagan thanked the school for giving her a day to remember.
“Thank you so, so much for inviting me to be on the Mary Berry baking team,” she said.
“It has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life and one that I will remember forever.”
Year 12 students from the Avenue Road school also got the opportunity to meet ‘The Queen of Baking’ during her special visit to the town after making a main course and dessert on the day.
Student Katie Jeynes-Cupper added: “Meeting Mary Berry was a once in a life time and an incredible experience,” she said.
“She was extremely captivating with her speeches and is truly as charming as she is perceived on the TV.
“I am utterly thankful to Mrs Turner the food Technology teacher who has enabled me to improve my skills, the opportunity to cook on the main stage and to meet some amazing professional down to earth chefs and celebrities.”
The weekend proved an eventful one for Mary Berry who, just one day later, received a prestigious Best Feature BAFTA award for the Great British Bake Off.
Mary walked the red carpet on Sunday evening with Nadiya Hussain and almost shed a tear during her prize-winning speech.
