The village bakery in the North York Moors that has become a lifeline in troubled times

“Local residents have genuinely appreciated what we have done offering a greater range including essentials such as eggs and milk, but they also come because they love what we do week-in, week-out like our Bakewell tarts and carrot cake.

“It’s always lovely to hear people say how amazing they think our baking is and it has been particularly heartwarming during this past year.”

Fiona, who grew up on the family’s Finkle House Farm in Fryup, which is now run by her sister, Jane, said she knew she would never be a farmer.

“I used to help with the hay and watch the hens lay their eggs but I was making bread with my mum from the age of five and she was a really good baker.

“I remember eating the bread warm with her homemade orange Seville marmalade. Mum would always be making batches of jams, marmalades and chutneys. We used to sell them in the shop and she’s only just stopped making them.

“My thing has always been making cakes and I make the best Bakewell tarts!”

Fiona found herself baking alone when the first lockdown came almost a year ago. Having initially shut the shop completely she said she decided to open Tuesdays and Fridays but with her five team members furloughed she needed to spend her time in the kitchen.

“I would bake all day on Mondays and take delivery of bread. On the Wednesday I’d look after the paperwork and then bake all day again on Thursday to be ready for Friday.

“I grafted like I did when I first started the business and it was like Christmas Eve in terms of trade on the days I opened. I also benefited from the good weather at the time.”

Fiona said she was also really well supported by the local community.

“I realised that although Danby is a relatively small rural community and it was still lockdown, there were many people who were working, either as electricians, plumbers, builders or farmers who still wanted to buy a pie or pasty for their lunches and they were all coming here.

“We were supported massively by farm workers and other customers from Castleton, Fryup and Lealholm as word got around that we were open.”

When summer arrived and lockdown was lifted, Fiona said they really benefitted from the trade brought by walkers, cyclists and holidaymakers.

“We had an amazing summer and having initially gone to Monday, Wednesday and Friday opening with staff coming back from furlough we then went to six days.

“Even though we couldn’t have all of the café side of our business open people were enjoying picnicking on the Court Leet land opposite the shop.”

Since then Fiona said she has worked out the best way to deal with the following changes in guidance and lockdown restrictions.

“This lockdown I made a conscious effort not to go solo again.