The New Brilliant Bakers

With Sourdough September upon us, three women reveal why they are barmy about bread

- Kim Willis

‘Baking has taught me to slow down’

Boudicca Woodland, 44, from Exeter, is part of the One Mile Bakery collective.

Three years ago, I had a busy job as an agent for outdoor entertainers, often working evenings and weekends. With two children, Alfred, now 11, and Seren, now seven, I needed a change.

I wrote a list of things I enjoyed, and baking was top. I read a story about the One Mile Bakery, founded by Elisabeth Mahoney in her hometown of Cardiff in 2012. She delivered artisan bread, by bike, within a mile of her kitchen. I loved the concept.

When Elisabeth announced on Instagram that she was looking to franchise, I contacted her, made the decision to hand in my notice and started One Mile Bakery Exeter in May 2018. I’ve moved into a glorified shed in my garden, which I call my Bread Shed.

I have anxiety and depression, but baking soothes me because it slows me down. You have to wait for sourdough to ferment, and I love that it can’t be rushed. On Sunday evenings, I feed my starter. The next morning, I prep the dough, then spend the day stretching and shaping it. I bake on Tuesday mornings, then deliver that evening. Ordinarily, I teach sourdough classes, too, but when those were cancelled in the pandemic, I added more delivery days instead, offering extra treats such as chocolate sourdough, cinnamon buns and homemade jam.

Most of my customers find me through word of mouth, and their feedback encourages me to experiment. I made a turmeric loaf, which has been one of my most popular. Alfred loves coming on deliveries with me, racing along on his scooter. I can work around my children’s needs, doing something I love. Sourdough makes me happy.

Now check out onemilebakery.com/exeter