‘Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.’ James Beard (1903-1985).

Loaves of Love is a wonderful idea that inspires people to come together and host baking circles in their homes. Set up by Inez Aponte, the concept is a labour of love. Friends pass their expertise on to others and in doing so, help preserve the bread-making skills of the past.

Inez, who is actively involved with the Transition Town Movement of Bristol, tells us: ‘The concept fits well with the transition model of re-skilling, community involvement and learning more about where our food comes from.’

Anyone can host a baking circle event with friends, old or new. However, Inez suggests that people also invite a friendly stranger along ñ for example, someone they meet everyday on the school run’ but would like to get to know better.

This July, many people took part in the Big Bake to launch the Loaves of Love initiative. ‘Thank you… for a wonderful idea!’ Clare Ewins posted on the website. ‘Friends are keen to join us for another baking circle soon. We plan to combine it with an afternoon of sharing skills.’

The scheme is also an opportunity to find out about bread-making from other cultures and bring people together. Myths and folk lores about baking can be shared, a selection of which are available on the Loaves of Love website.

‘Bread has such a rich heritage. We’ve been baking it for over 6,000 years,’ Inez explains. ‘Sharing each other’s bread and the cultural stories that go with it, brings us closer. The word companion’ actually means someone you break bread with’ and that’s why we’ve called the venture Loaves of Love.’

Inez has collected a number of recipes from cooking groups, bakers and bread-making individuals and invites others to send in theirs too. The aim is to turn the website into a resource, where people can share ideas and gain inspiration. Once they have baked a loaf of love, they can post comments on the site to encourage others to bake and be’ together also, allowing the idea to grow.

To find out more or for information on workshops and baking demonstrations
Contact: Loaves of Love, 5 The Yard, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9YR
Tel: +44 (0)117 924 7295
Website: www.loavesoflove.co.uk

In the kitchen baking bread together
Photo: © Solveig Harmsworth