Bolton pastor to whip up success on The Great British Bake Off

A local pastor will be showing the nation his baking skills on The Great British Bake Off when it returns to our screens next week.

Lee Banfield, the pastor of Cornerstone Church in Bromley Cross in Bolton, is among the bakers hoping for success on the BBC show.

The ever-popular programme, which is now going into its seventh series, recently revealed this years’ contestants, the oldest being Lee, who began baking in the mid-1980s.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk, Lee explained where his love of baking came from.

He said: “As a child, I have fond memories of sitting and watching my mother bake. When I started senior school, my form room was in the domestic science lab. I loved walking into the class room each morning because of the delicious smells.”

Lee, 67, worked as a builder before having a change of direction. He said: “After a back injury I found that I had lots of time on my hands while at home recuperating and decided to bake a lemon tart for the family tea. That was the start of it all.”

Although Lee enjoys baking for his church-goers at a range of events there, including various ladies’ meetings and a club for over 55-year-olds, and his family and friends, he admitted that he really bakes for himself. However, he often shows locals baking demonstrations at the Saturday morning kitchen at the church.

Lee was born in Kearsley in Bolton and has lived in the area his whole life alongside his wife Dorothy, who he has been married to for 47 years. When it comes to baking however, he has his firm favourites. He said: “I have a very sweet tooth so I tend to bake lots of cakes and especially pavlova, my absolute favourite.

“I’m a bit of a traditionalist where flavours are concerned. I don’t like messing about with strange concoctions and think that the classic flavours are ‘classic’ for a reason; because they work. Orange, chocolate, raspberry, chocolate, strawberry, chocolate and a bit of chocolate on the side, perfect!”

But what skills will let Lee down in the competition? He said that although he was up to the challenge, there is something that he’d rather not deal with. He said: “There’s nothing that I wouldn’t have a go at. I’m up for a challenge where new bakes are concerned. The only thing I find really fiddly is filo pastry. I’d rather buy it from the shop any day.”

His rivals in the competition range from teachers, garden designers and university students to hairdressers and aerospace engineers.

Commenting on his fellow bakers, he said: “I can honestly say that they’re a great group of people and while it’s a ‘competition’ there is no sense of trying to outdo the other bakers at any cost.

“Everyone is extremely helpful and eager to share ideas and thoughts on each other’s bakes.”

The Great British Bake Off is judged by Mary Berry, who has written more than 75 cookery books and celebrity chef Paul Hollywood. Actress and comedians Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins present the show, which has won three BAFTA awards and two National Television Awards since its first series in 2010.

Last years’ competition was won by Nadiya Hussain, who has since gone onto sign various publishing deals, become a regular reporter on The One Show and guest panellist on Loose Women and is a columnist for The Times Magazine and Essentials magazine.

Lee admitted that it is a nerve-wracking experience baking with the judges close by. He said: “Of course there’s pressure when you’re doing something that professionals are judging and Paul and Mary are the best.

“But there is also a good deal of fun and laughter with both fellow bakers and Mel and Sue who are great at making a person feel at ease. It’s great to be able to get advice and feedback from Paul and Mary to help me improve. The whole experience is something money could not buy.”

Lee explained what we can expect to see from him on the show when it starts next week. He said: “A person that enjoys baking as a relaxing hobby and someone who is having a good time in the Bake Off tent!”

Catch The Great British Bake Off on BBC One at 8pm on Wednesday 24th August.