Gilgandra's best baker crowned

The judging panel, comprising councillor Brian Mockler, Judy Reeves and Colin Job, voted Mr Barnes’ three-ingredient Oreo ball the winner at Cooee Lodge’s Biggest Morning Tea,.

Held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Cancer Council fundraising event, hosted by Krystal Lamb, raised $1059 from participants and goods sold. An additional $210 in donations was received online. This year’s competition attracted 17 entries, which included cakes, biscuits, scones, picklets, savoury slices and sweets.

Cooee Lodge’s Marissa Raines reportedly devoted around six hours to crafting and creating her contribution, a red velvet cheesecake. But it was Mr Barnes who took out the title with a score of 13 out of 15. “Simple but divine,” is how one of the judges described Mr Barnes’ entry. “Who rigged this?” Mr Barnes asked when handed his trophy.

‘Gilgandra’s Best Baker’ is a tradition that Mrs Lamb wants to continue annually, with hopes that more people will get involved in the coming years.