Cake decorators win UK trip
The plan was for the pair to attend this year, however, due to Covid-19, the exhibition was postponed to next year
It is always comforting to have a feel-good story to share, especially in difficult times, and that is what the Cake Decorators Network (CDN) gave to two of its members this year.
The organisation offered scholar Kimberley Oosthuizen (18) and founder of the CDN, Tania Riley, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the UK in order to be a part of the Birmingham Cake International Exhibition.
Riley, who is also the chairperson of the CDN, said the idea came about in late 2018 where they decided to sell raffle tickets to raise money for two members to visit the exhibition.
“Our raffles were sold until April this year,” Riley said. “However, the lucky draw was only done recently.”
The Birmingham exhibition is held annually in November where various baking skills are showcased and learned by attendees.
“I want to learn so that I can come back to South Africa to teach the other members,” Riley said.
Both the women were relieved when they found out that they were the winners.
“The idea was that there would be two draws – one for the branch members and one for the committee members,” Riley explained.
The plan was for the pair to attend this year; however, due to Covid-19, the exhibition was postponed to next year.
The Farrarmere resident said she will soon be leaving her position as chairperson to become a business consultant. “I want to open more branches,” she said.
Boksburg resident Oosthuizen said she aims to study further after school to obtain a pastry degree.
Riley shared bit about her life:
“I am married, have children and own a business. I always enjoyed home economics but after school I worked in the motor industry,” she said. “I baked on the side and started attending night school to better my skills. I then started teaching my own classes and eventually became my own boss.”
Oosthuizen said she joined the network in 2019.
“The experience so far has been amazing, my mother found Aunty Tania and we attend her classes,” Oosthuizen said. “When I was younger my mother, Heather Carmody, started a bakery and now I operate it. I want to be a pastry chef and also help my family because they have done a lot for me.”
Both women cannot wait for the opportunity to visit the exhibition when Covid-19 allows.
“We also want people to join CDN,” Riley said. “Our mission is to upskill the community and our vision is to expand into other communities.”
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