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Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell among judges picking top cake entries at Spring Into Spalding event




From giant daffodils to a chick cake which tickled the tastebuds of a Bake Off winner, Spalding came alive to celebrate springtime in South Holland.

The town centre became a hive of activity on Saturday with plenty of funtime activities to entertain revellers of all ages.

The Spring Into Spalding community bash returned in spectacular style, featuring the outdoor market, a vintage swing boat, live performances and a craft corner.

But for many the highlight of the event was the cake competition which saw 2023 Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell join South Holland District Council chairman, Coun Andrew Woolf, and Julie from the town’s Penningtons Coffee Shop and Flowers n Things on the judging panel.

From 16 entrants and 20 cakes, the overall winner was Laura Hudson, perhaps best known to locals as an international title-winning mermaid, who appeared at last year’s Spalding Flower Parade.

Her entry of a white chocolate chick cake, with an egg on top and intricate feather design, got the nod from the panel, who were judging each entry on its appearance, taste and consistency.

Cake competition winner Laura Hudson (right) with fellow finalists Lily Sandell and Sue Brown, plus judges Matty Edgell and Coun Andrew Woolf
Cake competition winner Laura Hudson (right) with fellow finalists Lily Sandell and Sue Brown, plus judges Matty Edgell and Coun Andrew Woolf

“I was thrilled to see so many entrants,” Coun Woolf said.

“All the cakes were of a high standard and it was very difficult to judge. You could see the time, effort and skill that had gone into them all.

“I’d like to thank Matty for taking time out of a busy schedule, and I’d like to thank all the entrants for donating the cakes that we then cut up and sold off in slices with donations to go to my two charities - Blood Cancer UK and Spalding Mencap.”

All smiles as youngsters enjoy the vintage swing boat ride. Photo: Chris Lowndes
All smiles as youngsters enjoy the vintage swing boat ride. Photo: Chris Lowndes

Sue Brown from Gedney and Lily Sandell from Moulton pushed winner Laura close.

The top three entries each received a commemorative apron, with Laura also winning an afternoon tea voucher for Penningtons.

Spring Into Spalding was organised by South Holland District Council, and also saw an on-stage performance by Sleeping Beauty an appearance by kids’ favourite Peter Rabbit, giant daffodil stilt walkers, a comedy Maypole Workshop, face painting and the opportunity to plant your own springtime flower or make a mini beast hotel at the Nature Lab.

Meila Orme, 8, tucks into her cake. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Meila Orme, 8, tucks into her cake. Photo: Chris Lowndes

“The event was fantastic and well done to the communities team for putting that on - there’s only two of them but they they deserve a lot of credit,” Coun Woolf added.

“The town was very busy, and the good feeling just spreads.

“We’re looking on put more events on and when we do the people come out. That’s only good for the town as they go to the shops ands spend their money.

Bake Off winner Matty Edgell with Lily Sandell from Moulton. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Bake Off winner Matty Edgell with Lily Sandell from Moulton. Photo: Chris Lowndes

“It was absolutely great and hopefully we’ll be able to repeat it next year.”

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Coun Woolf also had the opportunity to judge the Spalding Lions Club Easter Bonnet competition along with two Lions members.

A Woolf among the Lions! South Holland District Council chairman Coun Andrew Woolf helped judge the winners of the Spalding Lions Easter Bonnet competition. He is pictured with the winning entries
A Woolf among the Lions! South Holland District Council chairman Coun Andrew Woolf helped judge the winners of the Spalding Lions Easter Bonnet competition. He is pictured with the winning entries
Daffodil stilt walkers entertained the crowds. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Daffodil stilt walkers entertained the crowds. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Julie and Eileen Robson of the Spalding Lions. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Julie and Eileen Robson of the Spalding Lions. Photo: Chris Lowndes
These youngsters entered the Spalding Lions Easter Bonnet competition
These youngsters entered the Spalding Lions Easter Bonnet competition
The Bourne Borderers provided entertainment. Photo: Chris Lowndes
The Bourne Borderers provided entertainment. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Spring Into Spalding brought the crowds to town. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Spring Into Spalding brought the crowds to town. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Leo Nelson was in the Easter spirit. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Leo Nelson was in the Easter spirit. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Bake Off's Matty Edgell checks out cake competition winner Laura Hudson's white chick entry. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Bake Off's Matty Edgell checks out cake competition winner Laura Hudson's white chick entry. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds were entertained with live music. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Crowds were entertained with live music. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Morris dancing marked springtime in Spalding, courtesy of the Bourne Borderers. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Morris dancing marked springtime in Spalding, courtesy of the Bourne Borderers. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Easter princess Dolcie Woolsey, 3. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Easter princess Dolcie Woolsey, 3. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Martin and Kaycee Savage, 6, enjoy the May Pole
Martin and Kaycee Savage, 6, enjoy the May Pole
Sue Brown was among the finalists. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Sue Brown was among the finalists. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Bernadeta Wesolowska and Dominika Kaczmarek entered the cake competition. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Bernadeta Wesolowska and Dominika Kaczmarek entered the cake competition. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Helen Shields and Annie with their cakes. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Helen Shields and Annie with their cakes. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Kat Wakefield was among the cake competition entrants. She is pictured with Matty Edgell. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Kat Wakefield was among the cake competition entrants. She is pictured with Matty Edgell. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Having a chat with visitors. Photo: Chris Lowndes
Having a chat with visitors. Photo: Chris Lowndes

Every child who entered received bags of chocolate eggs from the SHDC Development team and vouchers were dished out to the top three entries.

“All of the children had made a real effort and there were some wonderful creations - they all deserved to win,” said Lions second vice president Julie Grant.

Did you go along to the event? Post your comments below...



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