Up Close is an interview series for Congleton Nub News, talking to local people about their businesses, hobbies, or anything else they want to chat about!

In the first instalment of Up Close we spoke to Biddulph's Denise Robson about balancing her passion for baking with her tough job as a healthcare assistant at Congleton's War Memorial Hospital.

Denise, who has lived in Biddulph all her life, discussed the challenges of being a frontline worker throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

When she isn't working, Denise loves baking, and regularly donates all kinds of cakes to war veterans around the local area.

Read the interview below...

How long have you been baking cakes, is it a lifelong hobby or something you've only gotten into recently? Why did you start?

"I started baking cakes after my mum bought me a Mary Berry cook book! I wasn't interested at first, but then I got diagnosed with breast cancer, so while I was off sick I started to make scones and cup cakes. I especially like baking cup cakes and decorating them."

Could you tell me a bit more about the places you have donated your cakes to, and why you chose those places?

"I've donated cakes to local schools as presents for the teachers, but it really started after my son started volunteering for the Tri-Services veterans in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"There was a veteran there called Bert who asked me to make him a coconut cake, because he hadn't had one since he was a boy. Another one had his birthday coming up, so I made a Vulcan jet-themed cake for him. They were both thrilled!

"I also made two birthday cakes for two gentlemen who were turning 101 years old. It was an absolute pleasure to do this for the veterans who kept us safe in the war."

You also work full-time as a healthcare assistant at the Congleton War Memorial Hospital. What has it been like working at the hospital throughout the Coronavirus pandemic?

"I've worked as a frontline worker during Covid-19 alongside my colleagues. It's been hard work - we have cried, we have laughed, and we have all stuck together. I've learned so much about the pandemic, it's been a bit overwhelming.

"I'm still a bit funny about going out at the moment. I will get there, but I think I've been put off because I've seen the effects of the virus first-hand."

Some of your cakes have personalised decorations on them - is this a speciality of yours, or something you particularly like doing for people?

"My son works at the Harplands Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, and he would give me challenges to make different styles and flavours, and we would donate them to different wards.

"I've been asked to do all kinds of weird and wonderful things! I think my favourite challenge so far has been a Russian honey cake - a veteran asked me to make that because he'd had one once when he was overseas.

"I also make some tray-bake cakes, coffee and walnut brownies, lemon drizzle cakes - the list is too big to mention!"

What are your baking plans for the future?

"My hobby is really turning into something big now. I am now able to take orders as well as donating, and just charge what I think I'm worth.

"If I can help anyone then I will. I know a lot of people are struggling at the moment, and making a basic cake doesn't cost much. It's such a pleasure to see the looks on people's faces when they get their cakes. The cakes might not be brilliant, but I try my best!"

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