Former Bake Off Contestant’s Gingerbread Tribute Receives Acclaim

A large gingerbread house, created as a tribute to a restaurateur, has garnered significant praise. Kate Barmby, a former contestant on The Great British Bake Off, dedicated three months to constructing a replica of The Assembly House in Norwich. This creation serves to honor Richard Hughes, the establishment’s chef-director and her mentor, who passed away on 1 September following a prolonged illness. Hughes assisted Barmby with specific elements for the illuminated biscuit structure, which incorporates several of his preferred items, such as a Chopper bike, his electric guitar, and a depiction of the ’70s band Slade performing within a miniature version of one of the house’s igloos. Barmby stated that it was a “privilege to have known Richard”. On social media, individuals have characterized the model as a “magnificent creation” and a “wonderful tribute”. The elaborate sugary display showcases Christmas trees along the house’s snow-covered lawn, decorated with its distinctive igloos and hand-painted gingerbread figures, among them a representation of Hughes. Barmby, who works as a respiratory nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, first encountered the restaurateur – who additionally operated a cookery school and instructed at a college hotel school – in 2016, following her participation in the television baking competition. The baker initiated children’s classes at Hughes’ cookery school and produced various cakes for the Theatre Street establishment. Barmby remarked, “Being welcomed into his world was one of the greatest things that happened to me and I will always grateful for this.” She added, “My gingerbread Assembly House is my tribute to the memory of a truly wonderful man.” Barmby further stated, “At a time when lots of people were after a bit of the Bake Off glow, Richard and [his wife] Stacia treated me with respect and kindness. “Richard helped to put me back together at a time when I felt like I’d been chewed up a bit.” According to The Assembly House, the creation signifies a phase in Barmby’s recovery from long Covid. The diorama has accumulated over 1,000 likes on The Assembly House’s Facebook page. A user posted on the page: “A wonderful display for a great man of Norfolk missed by so many and respected for his amazing character.” Another individual commented: “Just so beautiful and touching wow, wow, wow!” Barmby’s gingerbread model is scheduled for public exhibition in the venue’s grand hall, though it might be relocated to other sections during specific events. Its display is planned to continue until early January. Richard’s wife, Stacia Briggs, who serves as a director at The Assembly House alongside her step-daughter Stacey, expressed that they were both “absolutely blown away by this heartfelt gift and by Kate’s hard work and incredible talent”. A public memorial service for Hughes, who succumbed to an illness spanning four years, is scheduled for 30 January. Updates on Norfolk news can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is accessible.