Socially-distanced 'Bunanza' bake sale raises £8.5k for Sheffield charities

The kitchens of the residents of Stanley Road in Meersbrook have seen a busy 2020.
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For the last nine months, Saturday has been known simply as ‘cake day’ by locals, who have been baking up a storm and running a weekly ‘socially distanced’ street bun sale since March.

And this week, the group of neighbours held a special festive ‘bunanza’ which attracted hundreds of people, and saw their earnings for local charities reach a whopping £8.5k.

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“It’s incredible how people have continued to turn out, week-on-week,” says organiser Cathy Buck, a retired nurse.

Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!
Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!

"We’re delighted by how it’s taken off, and we have the most lovely time seeing the same faces – and plenty of news ones – showing up week after week, tupperware boxes in hand.”

Cathy explains the sale started quite by accident, as she was eager to see some friendly faces after a week spent in lockdown.

“It started the first weekend of lockdown, which was my birthday,” she smiles.

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“I baked some buns and put them on a table outside my house, then sent a message out on the Stanley Road Whatsapp group to invite people to come and get one.

Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!
Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!

“Everyone came out, sang happy birthday, and it was really lovely.

“The next week rolled around and I decided to get baking again, and see if maybe I could raise some money this time, so I put out a bowl for donations.”

What began as a one-off treat for the neighbours quickly gathered pace, and now around 20 bakers from across Meersbrook contribute items to each sale.

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Cathy, aged 66, adds: “The first week we made £20, then £45, then £175, then £400, then £500 - it’s just grown and grown!

Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!
Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!

"We took a break from the sales, but people have been really excited to see them back, and we’ve had a line down the street today.”

And it’s fantastic selection - with buns and brownies, tarts and biscuits, and even a table of goods that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan friendly.

This week’s sale also included a table of Christmas gifts, including tree decorations, jams and chutneys, and some plants, all available for a ‘pay what you feel’ donation.

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Cathy says: “People have been so generous; I’ve seen people take two buns and leave £20.

Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!
Stanley Road's festive Bunanza!

Neighbour Sarah Deakin, who lives a few doors away from Cathy, came onboard to help early on, and now coordinates the donations, which are split between three local foodbanks, and a Sheffield charity called Baby Basics.

“The community spirit here is fantastic,” says Sarah, who moved to the street a year ago, and says lockdown has helped her to bond with her new neighbours.

“It’s given us something to focus on, and it’s lovely to be able to do something to help."

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And for those who have fallen in love with specific bakes, Cathy and her neighbours have put together a calendar containing some of their favourite recipes, which will be on sale at their next ‘bunanza,’ priced at £7.

The next festive bun sale will be held at Stanley Road, from 11am to 1pm on December 19.

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