Bake-off contestant Diana Beard at hospital event
A former contestant from the Great British Bake Off will help celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS in Shropshire next week.
Diana Beard, from Alkington, near Whitchurch, who appeared on series five of the television baking competition, will be at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen on July 5.
The League of Friends has organised an NHS70-style Generation Game, where four teams of two staff members from different departments will replicate an NHS70 themed cake masterpiece which will be created by Diana.
The cakes will be judged by Diana and Frank Collins, the Trust’s Chairman, and the team with the cake of closest likeness to Diana’s will be crowned the winners. The event is open to the public.
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Ian Sawers, one of Shropshire’s Deputy Lieutenants, will also be there to compere the event.
Diana said: “It’s an honour to have been invited to the hospital to help celebrate the NHS’s 70th birthday. When I was approached about being involved in the Generation Game, I couldn’t say no. It’s an excellent idea and I’m looking forward to seeing how the teams recreate my cake.
“The whole day sounds like a lot of fun at the hospital, and I’m sure it’ll have a real community feel to it.”
The hospital’s Catering Team have also organised a Street Party in Denbigh’s Restaurant, part of NHS70Tea, a national event promoted by NHS England.
It will feature traditional street party food and will be set up so staff, patients and visitors can all sit together. The cost is £4 a head for an unlimited buffet including tea and coffee and will run from 12 noon until 4pm.
On Thursday Mark Brandreth, Chief Executive, will be attending the national NHS70 service at Westminster Abbey accompanied by four members of staff, Olivia Evans, IT Helpdesk Engineer, Christine Lee, Head Porter, Mr Aheed Osman, Consultant Surgeon on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries; and Pip Page-Davies, Staff Nurse on the specialist oncology ward.
The hospital will also be holding a Marathon Reception on the 5 July to thank the runners who took part in the Virgin London Marathon this year for their efforts and dedication to raising money for the Trust while the annual Long Service Awards have also been brought forward to July 6.
“It seems entirely fitting that we celebrate our staff who have achieved long careers in the NHS on the same week that the service itself celebrates its big birthday," Mr Brandreth said.
“We have a number of events happening across the Trust on 5 July and I would encourage members of the public to come and celebrate with us – everyone is welcome.”
