PAUL and Mary would certainly be impressed with Jana Eastwood’s festive efforts in the kitchen after she recreated historic Charlecote Park’s kitchen in gingerbread.
Jana – who also volunteers at Charlecote – would certainly have been crowned star baker for her sweet creation of the 16th century property where legend has it Shakespeare was once caught poaching.
Jana, who hails from Rugby, last year built the whole of Charlecote House out of gingerbread.
But this year she said she chose to create a tasty masterpiece out of the Victorian kitchen as it is her favourite room in the house.
She told the Observer: “As a volunteer at Charlecote Park and a lover of history, I wanted to do something a little different to last year but still feature Charlecote as I get so much from volunteering there.
“The working kitchen is my favourite room and is always welcoming with it’s open fire and the smell of baking. After finding an old postcard recreating the scene of the kitchen preparing for Christmas, the choice was made.
“I wasn’t sure if I could do it as I am not a professional baker but with some encouragement, I started mixing the gingerbread. I can’t say exactly how long it took me to make but it has taken several weeks around my life as a carer.
“It will be on display in the Victorian Kitchen itself.”
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ charlecote-park to find out more.