British chef and television food presenter Matt Tebbutt proved the proof is in the pudding when he surprised a local mill with a special thank you for their work; delivering flour to the local community in the middle of the lockdown baking shortage.
The Saturday Kitchen chef joined an online call with Audrey Steeley, Project Development manager at the Heron Corn Mill, in Beetham, Cumbria, as part of The National Lottery’s Good News Bulletin.
The online series hosted by comedian Joe Wilkinson features projects from across the UK who have used National Lottery funding to adapt and help their community during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Heron Corn Mill used emergency National Lottery funding to keep their miller, Stuart, on board. He is one of the youngest millers in the country and helped to mill flour during the shortage.
Audrey Steeley, Project Development manager at the Heron Corn Mill, says: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we received an emergency grant at the beginning of lockdown enabling us to keep our miller, Stuart, working right the way through the pandemic.
“Lockdown was a tricky time for us. We had just been flooded and then we got hit with a power cut, so everything around us was very messy! Being able to keep Stuart on was a life saver for the mill.
“As we are a traditional water mill, we needed Stuart to keep the machinery going in order to continue operating, and importantly, at that time, to help get flour out to the local community who were living in remote areas and often self-isolating.
“Having the National Lottery grant has also enabled us to look at our next six months and plan how to keep our community groups active and engaged.”
Matt Tebbutt jumped on the call to say a “huge congratulations” and a “big thank you” to Audrey. He said:
“Who knew that flour was going to be such a key ingredient! Every time you went to the supermarkets it was empty. Everyone was baking.”
“I’m sure your local community are thrilled that you managed to get supplies out to them, and, on behalf of everyone in your area, thank you very much for your work during lockdown.”
Presenter Joe Wilkinson, star of Netflix series After Life and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, up to £600 million has been made available to help communities throughout the UK amid the coronavirus crisis. The Good News Bulletin features how people and projects have rallied together to support each other during lockdown. I promise you there won’t be any zoom quizzes or online Zumba but just a few heart-warming stories and terrific tales of, well, good news and great people.”
Thirty million pounds is raised every week on average by National Lottery players for projects big and small across the country. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, The National Lottery has announced support packages of up to £600 million across arts, sports, heritage, education and the environment.
To find out more about the range of funding support announced by National Lottery distributors across the UK to date, visit the National Lottery Good Causes website www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/coronavirus-pandemic-response
