How exciting! Mary Berry came to our little town to give a talk as part of a food festival. I think it was a case of someone thinking, 'We'll ask her and she won't come, but we've nothing to lose." She did come though, I'm sure that the inviter (is that a word?) is still recovering from the shock.
A great evening was had by all. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were handed a glass of local bubbly and Mary's latest cookery book, then we joined a queue to have it signed.
As we waited, I tried to think of something smart and witty to say but all I managed to come up with was, "Hello." I did try to say it in a smart, witty way though, and I think she was impressed as she said, "Hello," back.
After a rather nice meal, the owner of our local bookshop interviewed Mary and it was really interesting.Three random things I learnt about Mary:
1) She took Home Economics at school as that was the lesson for the 'not so bright' ones. (who's the smart one now, Mary?)
2) She looks way younger in real life than on the TV.
3) The dress she was wearing came for Phase Eight and looked way better on her than it did on me when I tried it on the previous week.
I think my friends were rather surprised I went to this event as I can't and don't bake. During audience questions at the end I wanted to ask, "What should I do about a soggy bottom?" but they wouldn't let me. Oh, well.
In other news, I have just sold my 90th story - which somewhat makes up for the fact that as far as baking is concerned, I'm someone who uses a smoke alarm as a timer!
Ha ha ha ... brilliant! And a big well done on 90 stories! WOW! That deserves a case of bubbly! Funnily enough I saw Mary Berry on the TV the other day on the final of the GB Bake Off. It is the only time I saw the Bake Off programme and my daughter explained who she is (not sure how I missed her really). I too can't bake but I did learn (while watching the Bake Off ) that the word laminate comes from the French laminer meaning to layer and doesn't mean cover in plastic ;o)
ReplyDeleteI think the latter meaning would reflect my cakes more. Marianne!
DeleteSo funny, Wendy. I think it's interesting to go to these sort of things - new experiences are uplifting aren't they.
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations you on 90 stories. Brilliant. :-) xx
More uplifting than my cakes, Sue!
DeleteI'm sure it was the smartest and wittiest hello she'd heard in a long time.
ReplyDeleteI like to think so, patsy.
DeleteCongrats on your story milestone, that surely deserves a cake. (You can always buy one!)
ReplyDeleteI was given a Mary Berry cookbook as a wedding present over 40 years ago. I did try but, like you, I'm better at mixing up words.
I have to say her new cook book is great (everything's worked) but I've avoided the cake section at the back.
DeleteWell at least you said something :-) Congratulations on 90! You'll make 100 by Christmas :-) x
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice :) When I reach that milestone, I won't feel the need to mention it any more and you can all breathe a sigh if relief!
DeleteHow lovely to meet Mary in person, Wendy! And huge congrats on that number of published stories - fantastic!
ReplyDeleteShe had a lovely dry sense of humour, Rosemary... and thanks.
DeleteHilarious recount of an encounter! You should put it in a story...
ReplyDeleteAlyson
Hmm - now that's an idea, Alyson.
DeleteA lovely post and well done on your 90th accepted story. I've just had my first, so trying to keep a lid on my excitement. A phrase keeps popping into my head that you are only as good as your last story! How exciting to meet Mary. What an inspiration she is, and such will power to only nibble at all those cakes.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased for you, Maggie - well done :)
DeleteHi Wendy, What a wonderful opportunity. I think Mary Berry is an inspiration, and not just on the baking front, she seems to me to be an amazing woman. Well done for your 90th story - see we all have our own special talents - still looking for mine!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations
... still wish I could bake though, Linda!
DeleteFirst of all, congratulations, Wendy, on the publication of your 90th story. Will you get a telegram from the Queen when you get to 100?
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have the chance to meet Mary Berry. I'm sure your 'Hello' was charming. Perhaps you could get a story out of it...
I don't know about a telegram from the queen but I shall certainly open a bottle of bubbly, Susanna!
DeleteI'm mystified by the celebrity status of TV cooks. I'm sure Ms Berry was charming, but she and others like her have gone an awfully long way on their ability to wield a wooden spoon with panache/ganache.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Julia but celebrity chefs do at least have a skill... unlike some people who are famous for having done absolutely nothing at all (except maybe enter a house for a for weeks with random other people).
Delete90 stories - well done, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally.
DeleteThat is brilliant, Wendy, and I think you bake up a good story, and there have been cakes in lots of yours I've read. Well done.
ReplyDeleteNot guilty, Susan - only one of my stories is about cake!
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