In a heartwarming ceremony in the heart of the capital, one of Britain's most cherished culinary figures has been celebrated for a lifetime of work. Dame Mary Berry, the celebrated food writer and broadcaster, was presented with an outstanding achievement award at a prestigious media lunch.
A Prestigious Honour for a National Treasure
The accolade was bestowed upon the 90-year-old during the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Christmas lunch in central London on Friday, 5 December 2025. The award formally recognises her immense contributions to broadcasting and her lasting influence on the British public over many decades.
Dame Mary is, of course, best known for her role as the beloved judge on The Great British Bake Off during its time on the BBC from 2010 to 2016. Her recent television work has continued to delight audiences, with popular series including Mary Berry's Highland Christmas, Mary's Foolproof Dinners, and Mary Makes Christmas. Her most recent programme, Mary At 90: A Lifetime Of Cooking, aired in the autumn of 2025.
Celebrating a Century of Television
The annual TRIC fundraiser had a dual purpose this year, also marking a monumental milestone in British media history: 100 years of television. To commemorate this, the event honoured five long-running British TV shows and the teams behind them.
The celebrated programmes included:
- Doctor Who (BBC) - recognised as the longest-running sci-fi series.
- Coronation Street (ITV) - acknowledged as the world's longest-running soap opera.
- Three further BBC staples: the children's programme Blue Peter; the viewers' opinion show Points Of View; and the iconic football highlights programme Match Of The Day.
Fundraising and Future Leadership
The event, hosted by TRIC president and broadcaster Dan Walker, served as a key fundraiser for two important charities. Proceeds will support Refuge, the women's domestic abuse charity, and Bright Young Dreams, which focuses on children's mental health.
In other announcements, the club confirmed the appointment of Charlotte Graham-Cumming as its chairwoman for 2026. Looking ahead, the next major event on the TRIC calendar will be the annual TRIC Awards, scheduled for 23 June 2026.
For Dame Mary Berry, this latest honour adds another chapter to a remarkable career that has seen her become a household name and a trusted guide in kitchens across the nation.
