Become a star baker in the Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake

During the school holidays, the Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake will be touring across the district with free baking challenges at various venues. Young people between the ages of 10 and 16 can sign up to show off their skills and challenge their friends in the ultimate baking showdown to be crowned the best junior baker in Newark and Sherwood.

The baking competitions kick off in April with an Easter-themed bake at the following venues:

• St Paulinus Church Hall, Ollerton – Tuesday 8 April, 11am – 1.30pm
• Rolleston Village Hall, Rolleston – Thursday 10 April, 11am – 1.30pm
• St Andrew’s Mission Hall, Blidworth – Monday 14 April, 11am – 1.30pm
• Fernwood Village Hall, Fernwood – Wednesday 16 April, 11am – 1.30pm

To book a place on the Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk. Please let the District Council know of any dietary requirements and allergies whilst booking.

The baking sessions are free, and all equipment will be provided.

Suzanne Shead, Director of Housing, Health and Wellbeing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am really excited we are able to bring the Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake to the area! Whether you think you could absolutely nail the technical challenges on Bake Off, do a bit of baking for fun and fancy having a go, or if you just want to enjoy a bit of healthy competition with your friends with the promise of a sweet treat at the end, this is the Easter holiday activity for you!

“Our baking showdowns are a great way for young people to learn important culinary skills in a fun, sociable, and friendly environment. We’ll also be taking the competition across the district throughout the year, with new and exciting recipes depending on the time of year and season.

“Who knows, maybe we’ve got our very own Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood waiting to be discovered! Places are limited, so if you are interested in taking part and showing off your baking skills, please do get in touch with our team. On your marks, get set… bake!”

The Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake follows the successful Chop and Chat sessions the District Council has introduced across the district. These sessions range from teaching young children basic skills like chopping to giving teenagers simple recipes to prepare them for university or living on their own, and adults who are looking for new and nutritious meals for their family.

Learning new skills is crucial for personal development and empowerment. These sessions not only equip participants with practical culinary abilities but also foster a sense of independence and confidence.

Moreover, these sessions offer the opportunity to combat loneliness with their friendly, informal, and social atmospheres. By bringing people together in a supportive environment, the Chop and Chat sessions help build community connections and provide a valuable platform for social interaction, making the learning process enjoyable and enriching for everyone involved.

If you would like more information or if you have a suggestion on where the District Council should take their Chop and Chat sessions next, please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.