Meryl is a cookery writer and presenter, sharing her passion for traditional baking and food history, inspired by hergrandmother's baking. She writes regularly on her popular Blog 'Grandma Abson' and other editorial platforms.

Meryl was born in Yorkshire and now lives in Surrey. She spent most of her working life in leadership roles in education and local government in Yorkshire, raising young people’s achievements and aspirations. Meryl is an enthusiastic volunteer in her local community and enjoys gardening, swimming, walking, singing and playing the saxophone.

Meryl deliver her talks with a digital projector and can bring her equipment - projector and screen.

1. The History of Afternoon Tea Explore the origins and characters involved in creating this quintessential British tradition and what makes a perfect afternoon tea!
2. Baking in World Wars 1 and 2 Discover how baking was affected by rationing, shortages and campaigns to promote nutritional meals. Taste recipes which Grandma Abson would have baked.
3. Christmas baking traditions Find out how to make Grandma Abson’s homemade Christmas traditional delights and test your knowledge about Christmas baking traditions.
4. Grandma Abson's Traditional Baking Learn all about Grandma Abson's Traditional Baking, her life in service and how to bake delicious cakes, biscuits, puddings, jams and chutneys.
5. Georgian and Regency era Baking See how baking during Georgian and Regency times has influenced baking as we know it today. Taste some of the recipes from cooks in those times.
6. Easter and Lenten Food traditions Learn about pagan and Christian traditions from around the world which herald the coming of Spring and Easter.
7. From Surrey to the Seine A Volunteer's Journey to the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024. Meryl was a 'Volontaire' at the Time Trials and Road Races and talks about her experiences in Paris for the Olympics and Paralympics.