Ferndown care home residents host Bake Off star

One special star bakers dropped in to surprise residents at a care home in Ferndown. 

Residents at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, rose to the occasion when they were challenged to cook up their favourite baked treats by none other than Maggie Richardson from the 2021 series of The Great British Bake Off.   

Maggie delivered a fascinating talk about her time on the hit TV show, and residents were delighted to ask her their burning questions in a Q&A, before she provided tips on baking that perfect sponge cake with no soggy bottom. 

To show they have ‘what it cakes’ to be crowned star bakers, residents and colleagues then showcased their skills by whipping up their own showstopper vanilla sponge with buttercream.

Gill Smith, aged 83, said: “I had an excellent day and was so thrilled that Maggie came to join us.”

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We are all big fans of the Bake Off here at Ferndown Manor, and the residents were thrilled to have enjoyed a visit from Maggie. 

“We have many keen bakers among us, and the session certainly brought back memories for the residents. It was great to hear their stories, but also to see just how competitive everyone got on the day! 

“While there were no coveted Hollywood handshakes, everyone got praise from Maggie – this is something we will all be talking about as we await the next series!” 

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The care home also boasts its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.