Healthy competition paired with a local charity needing donations inspired aircrew at RNAS Culdrose at Helston to set up their very own Gr-814 British Bake Off competition.

814 NAS The Flying Tigers embraced the competition which saw weekly baking challenges set and then judged by the squadron's Commanding Officer, Cdr Chris Wood.

Following the format of the much-loved Great British Bake Off, each week there was a different theme for their bakes including chocolate, biscuit and savoury week. The different categories provided ample opportunity for crew to show off their expertise, perfect their bakes at home and bring in for judging.

Cdr Chris Wood judged each bake blind taking into account its appearance, taste and how well it fits with the theme. The winner each week was crowned Tiger of the Week and got to wear the squadrons tiger onesie, while the baker who came in last place was presented with a literal wooden spoon.

Following the judging the bakes were sold to aircrew and engineers across the base with donations being collected for their chosen charity; Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

£309.75 was raised and has now been donated to CHSW, which runs Little Harbour children's hospice in St Austell. Little Harbour provides care and support to over 140 local children with life-limiting conditions and their families, and has stayed open throughout the pandemic.

Reflecting on The Gr-814 British Bake Off Lt Raeyen, 814 NAS said;

"It's a great pleasure to be able to support the hospice and all the hard work they do, especially in these difficult last few months. The Flying Tigers are all about wanting to be better at every opportunity, and it was great to see such hard-fought competition, and delicious food, in aid of such a good cause.

"814 NAS are really pleased to continue to support and build closer relations with all of their affiliates, and hope that 2021 will be a really successful year for both the hospice and the squadron."

On behalf of CHSW Amanda Masters, Area Fundraiser for CHSW, sent her thanks to the squadron saying:

"It sounds as though you really put the fun into fundraising with this challenge and we are so grateful for the support you have shown us at this particularly challenging time. Thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to working together again in the future."

2021 marks the 30th anniversary since the founding of CHSW. For anyone interested in raising funds, or showing support for CHSW throughout this year, visit the website or call Little Harbour on 01726 871800.

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