Molly BrewerNorth West Tonight
Village BakersA man who set up a bakery in Manchester as a “safe and social space” for the city’s LGBTQ+ community said 13 years on the group had seen “several marriages and lifelong friendships”.
Kevin Sargeant set up Village Bakers in 2012 with the simple belief that sharing food can help bring communities together.
“There’s no better way of meeting people, making friends, than sharing a slice of cake with them,” he said.
“And that’s how it started – as a group of eight of us – and it has grown over the years to about 40 or so people turning up.”
Village BakersGroup members share home-baked cakes, pies and savouries in a safe, inclusive environment, with bakers of all abilities and backgrounds welcome.
“There’s been marriages, there’s been loads of friendships and you see people come to the group, flourish, build their confidence, build their love of baking, create new friendship groups, and it’s amazing to see,” Mr Sargeant said.
The group meets once a month and, among regulars, is Laura White who said she loved coming to the events.
“Some of the people in this room are my best friends and I flippin’ love it,” she said.
Ms White added: “Make something at home, bring it along, meet a load of new lovely people, make a load of friends.
“It’s going to sound a bit cheesy but it fills my heart with joy. I really love being here.”
Other regulars Jim and Paul said while it was not officially competitive, it was a bit of fun where everyone tried “to bring their A-game”.
“I think it brings up your baking skills,” Jim said.
“It’s a really nice social, non-judgemental atmosphere.”
Mr Sargeant was nominated for a North West Christmas Star award by group member Stuart Williams, who said it was a way to “finally recognise” the time and effort he had put into the group for so long.
Mr Sargeant said receiving the award was “very overwhelming”.
“The group is not about me, it’s about everyone here who makes this group possible,” he said.
