This year, the spirit of togetherness and festive cheer filled the air as OSJCT’s Buckinghamshire care homes came together for their much-loved Annual Christmas Bake-Off. Held at the newly opened Wing View Care Centre in Wing, Leighton Buzzard, the event was the perfect opportunity to introduce new residents and their families to the warmth of the OSJCT community, all while celebrating the creativity and talent of the residents.

The Bake-Off has become a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated each year. A wonderful way to bring staff, residents, and families together to celebrate the holiday season and showcase their baking skills. Anticipation builds in early November as homes across the region are bustling as residents and staff work on perfecting their recipes. All the activity is documented in a special project book each year – a keepsake for all to look back on and reminisce each year.

This year’s competition featured three categories: Best Design, Best Taste, and Star Baker – Best Bake. After much deliberation from the judging panel, the winners were revealed:

• Best Taste: The Heights Care Home in Downley, who delighted the judges with their square fruit cake adorned with beautiful floral designs.
• Best Design: Chesham Leys in Chesham, with two stunning fruit cakes, each featuring a festive snow theme.
• Star Baker – Best Bake: Chesham Leys again took the top prize, impressing judges with their exceptional baking skills.

The panel of judges, including OSJCT’s Catering Manager Rick Solomon, Lead Admiral Nurse Angie Williams, Sales Manager Steph Palmer, and Luke from well-loved The Baker Boy bakery in Leighton Buzzard had the joyful yet difficult task of choosing the winners from a selection of extraordinary bakes. Every participant was honoured with a certificate of recognition for their efforts, and the winners proudly received trophies to display in their homes.

The Bake-Off was a day full of laughter and festive spirit, with everyone enjoying generous servings of delicious treats. As the event drew to a close, the resounding sentiment was, “I am all caked out…” a true testament to the abundance of joy shared.

Kayleigh Jones Lifestyle & Wellbeing Lead, said “ The afternoon was a truly magical experience for all of our homes, sharing memories of baking Christmas treats and making lasting friendships whilst continuing a very special Christmas tradition across all of our services” 

Cathy Charles, New Client Manager, said "for many years "the Bake-Off event had always been very popular amongst the care services with healthy competition. This year was no exception and hosting the competition in Wing View Care Centre's newly refurbished home felt very special. The residents thoroughly enjoyed tasting the delicious cakes, whilst socialising with their visitors from other services.  A wonderful afternoon had by all. There will be many more to come.". 

Cheryl, a Wing View resident said, "it must be very hard for the judges to decide on winners as they all are so good.”

Hosting the Bake-Off at Wing View Care Centre not only provided the ideal setting for this year’s event, but also gave new residents and their families a warm welcome into the OSJCT family. It was an afternoon that reminded us all that the heart of the holiday season is found in the connections we share and the joy we bring to each other’s lives.