A squad at RNAS Culdrose have joined the rest of the country in taking up baking during lockdown and even managed to raise money for charity while doing so.

814 squadron at RNAS Culdrose recently organised their very own Bake Off competition on base over the course of a few weeks which featured baking challenges set and then judged by the squadron’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Chris Wood.

In the process, 814 NAS , know as the Flying Tigers, have managed to raise £309 for Children’s Hospice South West - with 2021 being the 30 anniversary of CHSW's founding.

Following the format of the much-loved TV show, Great British Bake Off, every week there was a different theme for the bakes including chocolate, biscuit and savoury week.

The different themes provided opportunities for the crew to show off their expertise, perfect their techniques at home and then bring them in for judging.

Cdr Chris Wood judged each bake by taking into account its appearance, taste and how well it fit with the theme.

The winner each week was crowned Tiger of the Week and, in fitting with the squads moniker, got to wear the squadrons tiger onesie, while the baker who came in last place was presented with a literal wooden spoon.

Read Next:

After the judging, the baked goods were then sold to aircrew and engineers across the base with proceeds being collected and donated to their chosen charity - Children’s Hospice South West.

Lt Dominic Raeyen, 814 NAS, said: "It's a great pleasure to be able to support the hospice and all the hard work they do, especially in these difficult last few months.

"The Flying Tigers are all about wanting to be better at every opportunity, and it was great to see such hard-fought competition, and delicious food, in aid of such a good cause.

"814 NAS are really pleased to continue to support and build closer relations with all of their affiliates, and hope that 2021 will be a really successful year for both the hospice and the squadron."

On behalf of Children's Hospice SW, Amanda Masters, area fundraiser for CHSW, said to 814 squadron: "It sounds as though you really put the fun into fundraising with this challenge and we are so grateful for the support you have shown us at this particularly challenging time.

"Thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to working together again in the future."

For anyone interested in raising funds, or showing support for CHSW, please visit: www.chsw.org.uk/30.

Alternately, you can call Little Harbour on 01726 871800.