James Maynard is one of our founding members. It was lovely to interview him and learn more about his eight years and counting as a Village Baker, his baking specialisms, and finding love through the group.

VB: How long have you been part of Village Bakers, and what inspired you to join?

James: I was at the very first social back in 2012. I was originally invited to attend by my good friend Kevin Sargent and I have held a number of different positions on the committee including Events and Chairman for a couple of years. My love of baking came from my Grannie and Grandma and I loved the fact that there was a social group that centred around something other than sport. 

VB: What is your fondest Village Bakers memory?

James: Has to be the day I walked into the Village Bakers social in February 2016 and met my fiancé Tim. We are due to get married in May!

VB: What do you enjoy most about baking?

James: The creation of amazing things by combining a few ingredients and how it brings people together. I haven’t met many people that would turn down a piece of cake!

VB: What is your signature bake?

James: I’m know as the “King of Savoury” in Village Bakers circles and I will never turn anything like that down. I make Cheese and Bacon Twists which usually go down pretty well and are really easy to do.

VB: How have you found baking during lockdown?

James: Getting hold of ingredients was difficult during lockdown as it seemed like the whole population had decided to take up baking. When I did my Focaccia Bread for the Village Bakers Live on Facebook, I had to look all over for the quantity of ingredients I needed and even resorted to buying yeast on Amazon of all places!

VB: What other hobbies and passions do you have?

James: I love a good binge watch on Netflix and socialising. My family are very important to me and that’s blood related and my chosen family too. I am also currently studying towards my CIPD L5 Diploma in Human Resource Management which is hard work but very interesting.

VB: What advice would you give to new or nervous bakers?

James: Follow the recipe and don’t be afraid to try new things. Even the most seasoned bakers have disasters, but you can learn from it and if in doubt, ask a fellow baker as there is a wealth of knowledge out there.

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