“It’s my dream job” – Derbyshire woman lands coveted role as bakery’s official taster

Over 1,400 people applied for the role as the East Midland bakery’s Official Product Taste Testers – and Sarah Holmes from Matlock was overjoyed to hear that she had landed one of the two jobs on offer

Sarah, who is 60, will join 33-year-old Arron Goodall from Spondon, sampling everything from Birds’ iconic sausage rolls to exciting new creations. Their feedback will help shape the bakery’s future flavours.

As long-time fans of one of the East Midlands’ best-loved family bakeries, both are excited to begin their new voluntary positions.

Sarah said: “I was amazed when I found out - it’s my dream job! Especially when you like cakes as much as I do - it really is the icing on the cake of my 60th year. I’ve decided I’m having a year of celebrations because last year was rubbish due to losing both my dad and my brother. I’ve told everybody this year is going to be absolutely fantastic - and what a start!”

Arron, 33, from Spondon, Derby, said: “This is an incredible opportunity. It’s surreal and still doesn’t feel real. I’ve definitely got bragging rights among my friends now.”

Both have favourite Birds products and personal connections to the bakery. Sarah loves blackcurrant cream tarts and, occasionally, a lamb and mint slice. Her affection for Birds goes back decades - including a 1984 photo of her enjoying a cream doughnut.

Meanwhile, Arron - whose favourite treat is a caramel doughnut - also has strong family ties to Birds. His four-year-old daughter fondly calls it “the cheese straw shop”.

Jamie Bird, managing director of Birds Bakery, added: “We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the taste tester role. We had almost 1,500 applicants in total and we couldn’t choose just one so we decided to appoint two people.

“Sarah and Arron are clearly very passionate about Birds which is great to see - we can’t wait to work with them and hear their feedback over the course of the year.”