The Great Woodfines Charity Bake-Off : No Soggy Bottoms to be seen!
On Thursday 10th October all three of our offices took part in The Great Woodfines Bake-Off!
The competition saw colleagues whip up their favourite recipes, from colourful cookies and cinnamon cakes to lemon drops and ladybird loafs! This exciting competition was designed by the Woodfines Trainees, Christopher Kennigham, Melanya Ponraj, Phoebe Fortune, Oliver McCormack, Teleasha Vrioni-Wright and Yazmin Elliot. For a day, the air in each office was filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the kitchens laden with sweet treats…
Amongst the delightful desserts and colourful cupcakes, there was however, a serious baking competition about to take place… and the judges did not hold back. One contestant was marked down for their icing not all drizzling in the same direction and another for a lack of goo! But alas, spirits were high and the judging commenced…
In Bedford we saw tough competition with five flavoursome entries. In the end it was a beautifully baked bundt which took the win, well done Charlotte Ali! Extra points were of course awarded for the use of the Woodfines colours.
In Cambridge we had joint winners of Vicky Murray and Angela Barker. Vicky opting for a seasonal apple and cinnamon cake which was moist, flavoursome and full of home-grown apples. Angela added colour and excitement with a raspberry pink lemonade marble cake. In the end, the competition was just too close to call!!
In Milton Keynes, the bakes were bursting with imagination! The winner was Davina Jirh with her triumphant truffles, a truly tasty treat for all to try! A special mention must also be given to our “Star Baker” Eloise Wilson who created not one but four lovely ladybug cakes which had the office dotty with excitement!
At its core, the Woodfines Bake-Off encouraged collaboration and competition whilst raising money and awareness for our chosen charity Sue Ryder. Colleagues were able to sample the culinary delights of each contestant whilst making charitable donations. A sense of joy and accomplishment was felt by each baker and it was great to be able to come together and discuss our favourite recipes.
When faced with tight deadlines and high caseloads, workplace wellbeing and catching up with colleagues should not be overlooked or undervalued. As the Bake-Off was held on World Mental Health Day, particular focus was given to this. At a time where lawyers are under ever increasing pressure, the competition provided the perfect opportunity for our colleagues to all take a moment and pause, have a chat and take a well-deserved cake break!
Now for the important question…. Whose cake do you think looks the best…?
