Anger over Bake-Off cheats at Thornaby show
Concerns raised over Bake-Off cheats at Thornaby Show
There will be some eagle eyed judging at this year's Thornaby Show - which returns to the town on Sunday the 4th of September.
Concerns have been raised in previous years that some entrants to the Baking Competition have been bringing shop bought biscuits and passing them off as their own!
Cllr Ian Dalgarno wanted something done about rogue contestants at the annual Thornaby Show – and shared misgivings alongside town council colleagues.
Alongside the usual raft of horticultural categories, it is also set to see circus skills, a gymnastics display, Irish dancers, and free mini train rides for visitors to enjoy.
But attention turned to how prizes for category entries would be meted out this year at Thornaby Town Council’s latest meeting.
Some members weren’t pleased with people coming from far afield to put in multiple entries, or getting around the rules to win money in categories with low turnouts at the eleventh hour.
Cllr Dalgarno said: “They’re going to the shops buying a packet of biscuits, putting it on a plate and going to get a tenner. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Prizes of £5, £3 and £1 were given out for first, second and third in categories including flowers, vegetables, fruit and homecrafts – with “three biscuits on a plate” and “three fruit scones” among categories this year.
The council heard about £600 was paid out in prize money last year – but this sum is largely offset by takings the town council receives from stall holders.
Reducing prizes to £3, £2, and £1 was put forward as a solution. Cllr Les Hodge suggested times were tough at the moment.
But Cllr Dalgarno said the prize situation was ridiculous – accusing some of taking the proverbial. Councillors also heard some entrants were coming from as far afield as Hartlepool to compete.
The annual September event sees crowds flock to Harold Wilson Field – with this year’s edition due to take place on Sunday, September 4, from 10.30am until 4.30pm.