On your marks . . get set . . bake!

Everybody loves The Great British Bake Off on TV, don’t they? Yes they do. Even if some are a bit sceptical about it moving to Channel 4 from the reassuring cosiness of the BBC, and even if some never quite get round to doing any baking themselves, preferring to binge on shop-bought cookies instead. But its doughy goodness, floury bonhomie and yeasty fecundity are just made for Christmas, and now a little local version is coming to Hastings Pier. Toby Sargent got off his soggy bottom to file this report.

This is rather good actually. As the pier’s PR woman explains: ‘Fans of the Great British Bake Off are challenged to bake their most creative gingerbreads for a competition on Hastings Pier on Saturday 10 December, where finalist, Jane Beedle will be giving out prizes.’

Extra Slice

The idea is that amateur bakers make something out of gingerbread that is inspired by – or has some connection with – our lovely new pier. If you enjoy the BBC spin-off, ‘Extra Slice’ with Jo Brand, you’ll know just how hilariously inventive ordinary bakers can be when they set their minds to it.

You could recreate the pier itself, or part of it, in gingerbread. Or maybe a seagull. Or your own version of one of those brilliant benches that they’ve installed.

Or think outside the box – or cake tin, if you prefer – and produce your own model of one of the events that we’ve seen on it this year. I reckon young Dizzee Rascal would look even more ‘street’ – if that’s the word (Probably not – Ed), rendered in biscuit form.

Memories room

Entries can be from individuals or families, with all entries displayed in the Memories Room in The Deck on Hastings Pier. So, if you want your gingerbread to be entered into the competition, bring it to The Deck (visitor centre on the pier) at 10am on Saturday 10 December. Judging will be between 2pm – 2.30pm. Prizes will be awarded at 2.30 pm by Jane Beedle. Prizes will be £10 – £25 to spend in the Pier shop or Pavilion restaurant.

This jolly event is funded by the estimable Heritage Lottery Fund, who also of course made a massive grant towards the pier’s restoration.

Big fan of Bake Off

The organisers, however, are the Pier’s Learning and Education department. Department manager, Beatrice Rapley is clearly a big fan of Bake Off and told us:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Jane has agreed to come along to Hastings Pier for this special winter event. I watched GBBO avidly and can’t believe we are going to get the chance to meet the lovely Jane in person! We are all very excited and have been practicing our gingerbread at home.”

Fish decorating too

See, I told you she was a fan. She is also sure that there’ll be lots to enjoy for families, even if baking isn’t up their street. She continued: “There will also be fish decorating and snow globe making on the day for children so families can come along and take part in the fun without entering the competition if they prefer”.

For more information and for gingerbread baking ideas go to Hastings Pier website.

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