On Friday we held our annual Great Becketts Bake Off fundraiser in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

There were some incredible cake entries from staff and customers. Bakes included mint chocolate brownies, classic lemon drizzle, a very moreish white chocolate cheesecake and some spectacular sponge cakes!

The three judges this year were Managing Director, Simon Beckett; Becketts Farm Chef, Chris Wilson; and Cookery School Manager, Helena Cookman. Each were meticulous in judging each bake for its flavour, texture and presentation. The judges were lucky enough to sample 14 different cakes and bakes. Not a bad morning’s work, we’d say.

The winner was a close call with the coffee and walnut sponge cake, white chocolate cheesecake and blueberry bundt all praised highly by the judges. The winner was decided with just a couple of points in it. The award went to the Showstopping Blueberry Bundt cake, whisked up by customer Gemma Watkins. Therefore, as our Star Baker for 2019, Gemma wins an afternoon tea for two with a glass of fizz to toast the victory!

Afterwards, the cakes were sold in our coffee shop. Plus we also donated £1 for every tea or coffee sold that day.

The Coffee Shop team also ran a ‘guess the number of beans in the jar’ competition, with a coffee morning themed hamper as the prize. The total number of beans was 10,785 and the closest guess was made by customer, Richard Grimes (10,500). Congratulations!

Through all of this both staff and customers together raised an amazing £424.58 for Macmillan Cancer Support, smashing our 2018 total. Thanks to everyone who took part and/or donated, we have made a real difference.