Masterclass on baking from yesteryear

Hertfordshire residents are invited to try a baking challenge with a historic twist, in Herts County Council’s Historic Bake Off.

Anyone who loves baking can sign up for the chance to explore baking through the ages on Monday August 8.

Lecturer Dr Heather Falvey, who has taught local history at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, will give an introduction to baking from yesteryear between 2pm and 3.30pm at the Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies building, in Hertford.

Participants will receive a masterclass, as well as some historical background on the recipes, before heading home to practise their skills.

They will then have two weeks to perfect their own historic bake, ready for the judging event, which will be held at the same venue from 2pm to 3pm on Monday August 22.

Cabinet member for public health, localism and libraries, teresa Heritage, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the residents of Hertfordshire to have fun while learning something new.

“Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies have a lot to offer local residents, so I encourage everyone to go online and find out more about Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies and the work they do.”

Tickets to Dr Falvey’s introduction are £10. Places can be booked by visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals or calling 0300 123 4049.

Families are also welcome.

People can support their local archive service by donating or loaning their own records or becoming a volunteer to help with conservation and indexing of historic documents, helping with exhibitions and promotions or helping to maintain the Herts Memories websites.