Sophie Dianne celebrates a much-loved British cook, Mary Berry, on this special birthday, and considers what is known of her faith.
On Monday 24th March, Mary Berry celebrated her 90th birthday. Among the famous well-wishers was Prince William, he surprised Mrs Berry with a message on a special episode of the One Show. In his video, the Prince referred to Mary as a ‘National Treasure,’ rendering the famous cook to tears.
Mary Berry started her career training at The Cordon Bleu in Paris, before dipping her toes into the 1960s world of journalism, as the editor of Housewife magazine and later, Ideal Home magazine. She has gone on to become one of Britain’s most loved cooks, with more than 80 books to her name and starring in several BBC TV series, including Mary Berry: Love to Cook and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts. Throughout her long career, she has remained true to her mission; ‘to get everyone baking and cooking at home.’
READ MORE: Is Bake Off becoming too rude for Christians?
When Mary isn’t cooking, she can be found with her family; she has been married to husband Paul since 1966 and they have three children and five grandchildren. In a 2014 interview with Woman Alive, Mary said; “I love coming home and relaxing with my family, that is precious time for me.”
In 58 years, the UK has become enamoured with this famous Christian. Mary’s kindness and modesty never fail to shine through, and much like the Victoria sponge, she is woven into our cultural heritage.
Mary describes her faith as “just part of my life.”
Mary describes her faith as “just part of my life.” The former Bake Off judge chooses to keep her steadfast faith quiet. Most Sundays, she attends her local village church in Buckinghamshire with her husband, this community taught Mary the importance of Christian mindfulness. She has now become a wellness advocate, ensuring that her neighbours are eating and, active, according to Network Norfolk.
In a conversation with the Archbishop of York, Mary reflected on how grief transformed her spiritually.
In a conversation with the Archbishop of York, Mary reflected on how grief transformed her spiritually. In 1989, her son William died in a car accident, “when you have faith and tragedy hits you, you have reason to go on and be strong.” The accident left Mary and her husband Paul devastated, but she believes that they will be reunited with their son, in heaven. In 2008, Mary became a Patron for Child Bereavement UK, the charity provides support to parents who have lost a child, as well as children whose parents or siblings have died.
READ MORE: It’s the Great Royal Bake Off and a chance for children across the country to get involved in creating a pudding for the Queen
In September 2014, Mary made the headlines as she backed assisted dying. MPs voted in support of a proposal to legalise assisted dye in England and Wales last November. The bill would allow terminally ill adults, with mental capacity to end their lives with assistance. Speaking to the Radio Times Mary said she had no desire to be a centenarian. “I think 90 is a great time. You’ve had a good innings. My mother was in very good health until the last few months (she died at 105). And health is key, isn’t it? But I would love my children to be able to give me a pill, although of course I do understand that could be abused.” To most Christians, the End of Life Bill is a controversial one, with many insisting in disrespects God’s plan of being ‘pro-life.’
READ MORE: My thoughts on the assisted dying bill and the sovereignty of God
Last May, Mary joined forces with Bear Grylls and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby to bring the Bible to children. This collaboration came after Care for the Family conducted a survey. Their research found, despite 95% of Christian parents recognising the importance of teaching children about their faith, fewer than three quarters had shared Bible stories with them. And only 27% actively engaged in faith-based conversations. Mary told the story of the Jesus feeding the 5000 and prayed that children would watch and listen, far and wide.
With the help of her assistant, Lucy Young, Mary started an Instagram account to kick off her 90th year. In the few weeks she’s been online, her following has reached over 150k, proving just how influential this Baking Queen is. I raise a glass to you Dame Mary Berry, and wish you a very Happy (belated) 90th Birthday, God bless you.
No comments yet