Organised by the H&H Group and open to all employees, the annual festive Bake-Off competition is designed to encourage members of staff to have some fun in their kitchens, and to raise funds for the company’s 2018 chosen charities, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the British Heart Foundation.
The standard of entries was very high, and the competition was tremendous showcase of the best of British baking. Beautifully hand-crafted, baked and iced by Fiona Cumming who works for H&H Land and Property, the overall winning festive treat was a gingerbread wreath.
All of the entries were judged by Gillian Potts, of the Cumberland Show Committee who awarded:
- Overall Runner Up to Carolyn Charlton Personal Assistant to the Managing Directors of Harrison & Hetherington, for her mince pies.
- Best Rookie Bake to Lucy Darwell, Personal Assistant to the CEO, of the H&H Group, for her Baileys Cup Cakes.
On hearing the result, Fiona said afterwards: “I am delighted to have won the Festive Bake-Off organised by H&H Group. The entries were once again of a high standard and the sales of the baking will have contributed to the worthwhile charities supported by the H&H Group this year.
“Baking is one of my hobbies and I enjoy trying out new recipes (much preferred to housework!). There are always guinea pigs in the H&H Land and Property Office willing to try any new baking brought in.”
Everyone who entered really embraced the festive theme and the display of bakes and treats included, Yule Logs, Mince Pie Brownies, Christmas Tray Bakes and Cheesecakes, and of course something which is vital to deck any Christmas tea table – a Christmas Cake.
Lucy Darwell, organiser of the event and winner of the Rookie competition, said afterwards: “The H&H Bake Off has been running in various different guises for a number of years and this Christmas Bake-Off certainly created some great festive cheer and food. Experienced or not, the standard of baking was fantastic, and I personally was delighted to win the Rookie Competition.”
I would like to thank our Judge for giving up her time to help, and all of the competitors for entering. In addition to adding some festive spirit to Borderway, this event of course has a serious element, in that it is one of our fundraising initiatives. I am pleased to say that we raised in the region of £150 for our two chosen, charities R.A.B.I and British Heart Foundation.”
Other fundraising initiatives which have been completed by members of staff of the H&H Group this year have included a March Dechox, Walking Hadrian’s Wall, Gelt Gladiator, The Great North Run and Wear Wellies to Work Day.
The 2018 charities were specifically chosen because they are representative and supportive of the issues that have affected and continue to effect and many of the people who work within the H&H Group and its companies.