SCONES AND SMILES AT THE BAKING FORUM

Scones and Smiles as The Baking Forum 

Presents £30,000 to Bakers Benevolent Society

Following the success of The Baking Forum 2025, held earlier this year, event organisers have announced that £30,000 has been donated to the Bakers Benevolent Society (BBS) – marking a significant increase on the £25,000 raised in 2023.

Established in 1832, the BBS has a long history of supporting the baking community. It provides sheltered housing for retired members of the baking industry and allied trades;    offering independent living through its Almshouse scheme, Bakers’ Villas, in Epping, Essex. In addition, the Society extends its reach nationwide with charitable grants and pensions for those in need.

On Wednesday 27th August, Baking Forum representatives, including event owners Mike Roberts, David Amos, Steve Cook and Helen Ross, together with Federation of Bakers Chief Executive Andrew Pyne, were warmly welcomed to Bakers’ Villas. They joined Trustees, residents, and Villas Manager Suzanne Pitts, for a traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, and freshly baked scones prepared by Trustee and former bakery owner, Chris Tomkins. 

Chris Tomkins said:

‘In 7 years time the BBS will have its bicentenary, that is incredible and so are the changes that the industry has undergone in that time. We are delighted to embrace the Baking Industry Forum as it leads the industry forward with relevance and positivity. A successful Baking industry, its' staff and business bakers are the future of the Bakers Benevolent Society. Thank you all once again for such a wonderful and appreciated donation.’

During the visit, the group presented the £30,000 cheque on behalf of The Baking Forum to the Society. The donation will directly support the refurbishment of the Villas’ main reception and dining room, helping to enhance facilities for residents and ensure the charity can continue its vital work.  

Andrew Pyne, Chief Executive of the Federation of Bakers, said:

‘The Baker’s Benevolent Society will be celebrating its bicentenary in 2032, that is incredible and so are the changes that the industry has undergone in that time.We are delighted to embrace The Baking Forum as it leads the industry forward with relevance and positivity. A successful Baking industry, its' staff and business bakers are helping secure the future of the Bakers Benevolent Society. On behalf of all the Trustees and residents, thank you all once again for the generous £30,000  donation.’