SHOW-STOPPING cakes were the star attractions at a recent bake-off in Woodley.
The event for Woodley primary schools enables pupils from year 5 to show off their baking talents.
Youngsters from Beechwood, Primary, HIghwood Primary, St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary, and Willow Bank Junior all competed to be the town’s best young bakers.
Woodley Town Mayor Cllr David Bragg, Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Darren Smith and Council Leader Cllr Keith Baker all helped to judge the winning entrants.
And what a difficult job that must have been, having to decide between 16 delicious and creative cakes.
Jackie Andrews from the Woodley Schools Cluster said: “The standard of the children’s cakes, which they baked and decorated on the day, was outstanding.
“They put a huge amount of effort and imagination into their creations, and the standard achieved was the highest I have seen yet.
“My fellow judges and I looked at how the children worked as a team, how they designed their cakes and most importantly, how the cakes tasted.”
This year’s Bake Off was sponsored by a grant from the Town Council, with further contributions from parents.
It saw 32 year 5 pupils from four Woodley primary schools compete, in pairs.
Each team designed, baked and decorated a cake, and took part in a technical icing challenge to create a fondant rose.
The event was held at The Bulmershe School, supported by Bulmershe staff and year 9 transition leaders.
Winning bakers of the day were St Dominic Savio pupils, who created a very impressive Wonka cake.
Pupils from Beechwood came second with their Fort of Hearts gateau, and in third place were pupils, once again from St Dominic Savio, with their Tree Stump confection.
Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg, said: “All the cakes were excellent, and I can verify that they were all delicious.
“However, the clear winner was the Wonka cake.
“It was a very difficult decision to find second and third places, so we also gave a Special Commendation award.
“I would like to congratulate all the children who took part – they should all be proud of themselves for the way they worked together and spoke freely about their creations to all the teachers and judges.
“I would also like to thank the teachers involved in this project for the enormous amount of preparation, help and guidance that went into making this such a successful event.”
For information, visit: woodley.gov.uk
