'˜Cake lady's' bake off fun

Burngreave Adventure Playground plays host to a cake decorating competition as part of a Bake Off event organised by Sarah kesteven who helps a couple of boys with their cake
Picture by Dean Atkins — Burngreave Adventure Playground plays host to a cake decorating competition as part of a Bake Off event organised by Sarah kesteven who helps a couple of boys with their cake Picture by Dean Atkins

Sarah Kestevan - known to the kids of Pitsmoor Adventure Playground as ‘cake lady’ - was keen to introduce her favourite pastime to the young children who play at the playground opposite her Burngreave home.

With the help of the children’s parents, Sarah organised the bake off for the day before Valentines Day, which featured three teams of children decorating up cakes and biscuits.

“It was a great day,” said mum-of-one Sarah, aged 49.

“I love to bake and, since I retired, I spend lots of my time making cakes, buns and flapjacks - quite often more than I know what to do with! One year ago I took a tray of buns to the playground over the road from my house, for the parents and children. I don’t think most of the kids even know my name - they just call me Cake Lady.

“Inspired by the Great British Bake Off series, the parents and I decided one day to hold our own cake decorating competition for the kids and so I baked three cakes and began sourcing sprinkles and iced decorations. Each team of children had 25 minutes to complete their cake. The children also each decorated up a heart-shaped biscuit - in honour of Valentine’s Day.

“We had a judge who picked the winning team and the winning biscuit decorator on the day. Around fifty kids took part on the day and they enjoyed themselves so much; it was lovely to be able to share something with them I enjoy so much. I’m overwhelmed by the commitment of the parents at the playground to the kids and the community. They plan so many activities for the kids and I’m just thrilled I could play a part in this one.”