Lake View Lodge care home in Halling embraced National Baking Week and the nation’s love of The Great British Bake Off with a community baking competition, judged by The Mayor of Medway.
The event encouraged people of all ages to share their favourite bakes. The response exceeded all expectations, with 21 entries submitted by residents, families, staff, local children and members of the wider community.
From traditional scones and lemon drizzle cakes to apple and almond pies, alongside a standout sundried tomato and cheese bread, the competition showcased a range of sweet and savoury creations.
The competition was split into three categories: Best Presented Cake, Most Creative, and Best Tasting. The mayor invited everyone to be a judge, helping to reach unanimous decisions for each award.
The winners were:
- Best Presented Cake: Bianca, for her carrot cake
- Most Creative: Addison, great-granddaughter of a resident, for her tombstone cakes
- Best Tasting (1st Place): Estelle, daughter of a resident, for her secret recipe ‘Cut and Come Cake’
- Best Tasting (2nd Place): Nerissa, President of the Leybourne Women’s Institute, for her lemon drizzle cake
All winners received a Star Baker wooden spoon and apron, although the mayor was quick to remind everyone that, in his eyes, “everyone is a winner.” The Mayor of Medway, Douglas Hamandishe, said:
“It was a wonderful Bake-Off event and an honour to attend the first of what shall become an annual event. I really enjoyed it, caring staff and engaged residents, with smiles all around.
“The residents at Lake View Lodge are cared for in an exceptional environment conducive for holistic care and empowerment. I look forward to coming again.”
Catherine Singh, the General Manager at Lake View Lodge, commented, “What made this event so special was the variety of people who got involved. We had entries from residents’ families, staff, local children, community groups and members of the wider community, all contributing their own unique recipes and baking traditions.
“Events like this create opportunities for different generations and community organisations to connect in so many ways, and we are already looking forward to making next year’s competition even bigger.”
You can find out more about initiatives and activities at Lake View Lodge at the home’s Come Dine with Us event, which takes place on the second Wednesday of every month. From 1PM, all are welcome to join the residents for a delicious, homemade lunch. Booking is essential.
To reserve a place for the next Come Dine with Us on Wednesday 14th October, call 01634 623360, email lakeview@crystalcarecollection.co.uk, or pop into the home on Limeburners Drive, Halling, Rochester, Kent, ME2 1FG.
