Nancy Birtwhistle
Winner of the Great British Bake Off 2014
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About Nancy Birtwhistle
Nancy Birthwhistle is a self-taught home cook. Despite having liked baking all of her life, she only took up her hobby seriously after retirement. And, like everything she turns her hand to, she became really rather good at it. Full of energy and brimming with ideas, Nancy is a force of nature and whether it’s growing her own fruit and veg to use in her recipes, rearing poultry (including the Christmas turkey), training a dog (who made it to ‘Crufts’) or doing a degree at 40, she doesn’t do things by halves.
Nancy Birthwhistle began her career working for the NHS, which she did for a total of 36 years. When she resigned as a GP practice manager in 2007, she turned her hand to something she had always had an affection for: baking. Nancy became one of 12 contestants to be given a place under ‘The Tent’ on series 5 of the Bake Off and became the series champion as well as a nation’s sweetheart.
Born and brought up in Hull and the surrounding areas, Nancy’s first memories of baking are Christmas baking with her grandmother. Reflecting on her grandmother, Nancy says “I now realise that she did indeed have a significant part to play in my love of baking. She was a true home cook and I never saw her use a recipe book.”
Through devouring books, taking tips and inspiration from people she meets, and lots and LOTS of trial and error, Nancy has acquired an incredible depth of knowledge about cooking and baking. She knows what works and what doesn’t. She loves the creativity of baking and the simple rewards of watching others enjoy something she’s created. Now a grandmother herself, Nancy is determined to pass on her skills and knowledge to the next generation and show people that with a little bit of time, a lot of patience and a few simple ingredients – you really can make a perfect showstopper!
Nancy’s after dinner speaking takes you on her journey from doctor’s receptionist to Bake Off winner right through to her most recent accomplishments.
