Yattendon hosts first marmalade competition ahead of Paddington Bear’s return to Newbury

A community has hosted a marmalade competition ahead of Paddington Bear’s return to Newbury.

Residents of Yattendon, Frilsham and surrounding villages have taken part in Yattendon’s inaugural marmalade competition to find out who Paddington will most likely visit on his next trip to the UK.

Jars were sterilised, oranges squeezed, and recipes passed down through the generations were dusted off.

Lots of chatter began to spread through the village as residents put their culinary skills to test to claim the title of Best Marmalade in Yattendon.

The event was organised by Yattendon Village Stores.

Richard Monk, head chef at The Royal Oak, and his team were tasked with judging the 35 entries on Wednesday (March 12).

Kim Pierpoint won the honour of having the best marmalade in town, closely followed by Vanessa Maskell in second place and Angela Bickford Smith in third place.

The winner received a meal voucher for two at The Royal Oak and an apron.

All entrants were able to sample what they produced. And plans are already under way for next year’s competition.

All of this year’s entries will now be donated to Newbury Riding for the Disabled, a charity teaching young people with special needs to ride.

The charity, based in Hampstead Norreys, will be holding its annual fundraising plant and cake sale outside Yattendon Village Stores on Wednesday, May 14, from 9am till 11.30am, where visitors will be able to buy the jars of marmalade.