From the outside, a few minutes' walk from Chalk Farm station, Luminary Bakery looks like any other small bakery. The windows are filled with freshly baked pastries, and inside there is a wonderful smell of freshly brewed coffee. Behind the scenes, though, women are being empowered to bake their way to brighter futures, undertaking training seven at a time in the learning space behind the bakery, under the expert tuition of a graduate of the scheme. On the menu on our visit were carrot cake cupcakes.
Our Second Warden and Clerk returned to Luminary to hear how the past year has gone, and about their exciting plans for the future from new CEO Aoine Wilson. Training at Luminary combines the acquisition of baking skills and essential qualifications in food hygiene with general employability and independence. Mentoring and invaluable support with life are also on offer. Luminary currently works across two sites, and within the next few months, a production kitchen will be opening, offering wider opportunities to the women the project supports. In 2024, Luminary worked with an impressive 108 women.
Luminary are always looking for more short work experience placements and mentoring for their students, so any bakers near London who might be able to help are invited to let us know.
The Benevolent Fund has recently agreed a further year of support to Luminary, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to flourish.
