David Wright never planned to be a baker. Though it was his family business, he decided to travel, to study and to pursue a life in film or theatre. But 12 years ago he was drawn back to Woodbridge and became a third generation baker, overseeing The Cake Shop on the Thoroughfare in the town.
He sought to bring about changes and also took part in national competitions and television programmes to highlight all that he and his team could offer customers in Suffolk and beyond.
Sadly it wasn't enough to save the business and The Cake Shop closed.
David now teaches baking and chocolate-making at Pump Street in Orford, and he has written this book touching on the story of his family business in the wider context of bread being the food of life.
He explores bread in different cultures and different times, showing how it's an essential part of our story, our health and our very existence. He explains the science of how bread is made, and why it's so good for us. He highlights how the way we treat and sustain the natural resources and ingredients of bread impacts the health and future of our planet. He tells us about the lifestyle of bakers, the physical and mental toll, and how the prices we pay for bread in our supermarkets are not viable - and come with a very different cost.
This is a passionate tale urging us all to change our attitude to bread today to support traditional bakeries, to regain our delight in the flavours and to ensure we benefit from its role in our diet and lifestyle.
His book is compelling. It's very readable and both poignant and humorous in parts. David shares his own thoughts and opinions clearly and engagingly and he also brings us comments from many familiar names - leading chefs, farmers and campaigners whom he has interviewed in researching the book. It's hugely informative, entertaining and enlightening throughout. A very personal commentary on David's own experience, the book also offers up his proposal for protecting the future for baking as a whole, and he urges us all to think carefully about the choices we make as consumers.
David will be in conversation with Catherine Larner, answering questions from the audience and signing copies of his book 'Breaking Bread' in this very special evening event.
Tickets are £20 (including a copy of 'Breaking Bread') and one further ticket may be purchased for £12 (without the book).
Picture courtesy of Nick Illot
