Knitted cake festival to raise funds for hospital charities

Anna Lupton, who runs Carr House Farm B&B in Ampleforth, and Christine Bentley, from Castle News, in Helmsley, decided to organise the World Knitted Cake Festival to tie in with the area laying claim to be Britain’s Capital of Cake.

The pair first met 45 years ago and while Christine and her mother Maud, who is 87, were keen knitters, Anna said she hadn’t picked up a pair of knitting needles for years.

“We just came up with this idea and thought it would be something different to tie in with the cake theme as well as raising funds,” she said.

“People can knit a cake of any theme they would like – or buns if they are from Yorkshire.

“I haven’t knitted for years but will definitely think of taking it up again.”

Funds raised will be donated to the League of Friends of Malton Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, an official partner of the Tour de Yorkshire.

Anna said: “Sheffield is one of only four children’s hospitals in the UK and is currently fundraising to be the country’s first with a specialised fully digital intraoperative 3T MRI scanner which is only available in three countries worldwide.

“We also wanted to support the League of Friends as they do a marvellous job supporting the efficient running of Malton Hospital by providing vital equipment.”

Prizes include afternoon tea for two at the Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room followed by an evening’s knitting experience with Maud and Christine, one night B&B at Carr House Farm, Ampleforth, and a family ticket to The International Centre for Birds of Prey, Duncombe Park, Helmsley.

Christine said they had already received a number of entries.

“We have had a lot of people coming into the shop asking about the competition and we are looking forward to their creations – it is going to be something different as well as raising funds for two good causes, so get those knitting needles out,” she said.

Knitted cakes along with £3 entry money should be taken to Castle Stores, Church Street, Helmsley.

Entries close on September 1 and the winner will be announced on September 25.

Go to carrhousefarm.co.uk/the-world-knitted-cake-festival for details.