'Bake Off' Winner announced at Woodlands House Care Home

The recent Great British Bake-Off Final inspired a group of passionate bakers at Woodlands House care home to create their own ‘Bake Off’, cake competition.

11 sweet and savoury delights were entered by the residents, staff and relatives who live at the Woodlands Road residential home, including–including carrot cake and a quiche.

Since the first series of the famous TV programme in 2010, the nation has become enamoured with baking as a pastime and the Southampton amateur bakers were keen to join the fun too.

The residents enjoyed baking cakes the day before the event while some chose to bake their sweet treats at home, ready to be displayed for the judges. Tasting took place with each bake receiving feedback along the way. Once all the bakes were tasted, the judges deliberated to discuss the scores and to decide the winners.

Hartford Care is a family-owned business, led by husband and wife team Sean and Jo Gavin who were on hand to be judges alongside Care Assistant Danielle Woolgar and residents Bill Allen & Jack Weaving.

Woodlands House Senior carer Shane White produced a delicious coffee & walnut cake which won the coveted first prize place. Resident June Lavery was given 2nd place for her delicious cherry bakewell cake, followed by Anne Sellens’ chocolate cake in 3rd. The day ended with 30 guests sampling the baked goods then the winners were announced.

At Woodlands House we strive to present new and exciting sensory experiences and baking is ideal for the residents to use their movement, balance and coordination skills. Baking is ideal because it is known to have therapeutic value and can also ease anxiety and boost well-being. The residents enjoy the chance to feel the flour, mix the batter, and of course the smell of the delectable cakes, which in turn increases feel-good endorphins.

This whole experience also reminded the judges that baking is a creative action that allows the baker to express themselves in an imaginative and original way. The welcoming care home is an active part of the local community and goes to great lengths to make a positive difference to the lives of residents by planning stimulating activities.

An exciting Halloween party with a spooky supper took place recently and on another occasion two Alpacas called ‘Midnight Prince’ and Casper visited the care home.

The ‘Knitter Knatter’ weekly club created knitted hats for the neonatal department at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton this summer. The fun-loving care team decided to organise a trip to the Watercress Line Railway, for Richard, a railway enthusiast who enjoyed the visit to see the steam trains.

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