Call me a cynic, but I have a feeling I will not be winning this award; I feel I have confused the organisers, by having my business registered in Bedfordshire and my baking happening merrily in Hertfordshire. This has meant that I have been nominated in both areas, which is not permitted under their rules. Earlier on this year, I was asked to choose one region so I chose Bedfordshire, not wanting to be up against my friends at the Redbournbury Mill in Hertfordshire, whom I hold in great esteem.
But today, I get another communication, congratulating me on my nomination in Hertfordshire; [sigh]. I was also notified of the others taking part and surprised to see that one of them hasn’t actually been trading for over a year now and another on the list I don’t think even bakes from scratch on their premises, let alone bakes any bread at all!
I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot here, but given that I was nominated last year without being notified until it had all been wound up, I am beginning to wonder whether I should just be serenely contented instead of my usual “Whoop Whoop, bring it on!!” self.
In spite of all the bureaucratic shenanigans, I am very grateful to the organisers [Bedfordshire] and the fantastic Fratelli’s restaurant in Ampthill for hosting a superb press launch event in January for all the nominees and sponsors. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr Gunns from Gunns bakery and his wife, who were just lovely and Mr Gunns even fetched cup of tea for my mum, who couldn’t walk without the aid of a frame back then. The chap in the middle of the picture is Phil Jellis, a farmer of rare breed Dexter beef, who also runs a farm shop in Broom nr Bigglewade. (He also sells really good bread on a Friday afternoon/Saturday morning!).
So if you would like to cast your vote (please vote for me!!) you can do so by visiting www.bedsfda.co.uk and choose best Artisan Bakery under Categories/Voting, or click on the handy link below.
Bedfordshire Food & Drink Awards 2016/