Mince Pie Bake-Off: Who Will Be St. Ives Champion?

The Edward Hain Centre (EHC) in St. Ives is capping off its first full year with a community-focused celebration that promises festive fun for all. The Mince Pie Mingle, taking place on Tuesday, 10th December from 4 pm to 7 pm, will bring together locals for music, a Christmas market, a silent disco, and refreshments. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome.

The highlight of the evening will be a mince pie competition judged by St. Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells. EHC manager Sharron Goldingay shared her excitement, saying, “Last year, we’d only just opened and were too busy getting up and running to organise anything Christmassy. So this year we’re excited to plan some festive fun for everyone, complete with trees, decorations and sparkly lights!”

A Year of Progress and Community Impact

Since its opening, the Edward Hain Centre has made steady progress in serving the local community. Two ground-floor rooms have been in continuous clinical and community use throughout 2024, and the refurbishment of three upstairs rooms has been completed, with two already spoken for.

In May, the St. Ives Food Bank moved into the Centre, furthering its benefit to the area. Additionally, the EHC team grew with the hiring of Kerrie Cox as Centre administrator and Laura Evans as Community Hub Officer and Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Laura, who came up with the idea for the Mince Pie Mingle, explained, “Part of my new job is creating community events. I can’t wait to celebrate the centre and see who the Mayor decides bakes the best mince pies in town!”

Photo: EHC staff (L-R) Kerrie Cox, Administrator; Laura Evans, Community Hub Officer and wolunteer co-ordinator; Sharron Goldingay, manager; Audrey the Help-Hound.

How to Get Involved

Anyone who wants to enter the mince pie competition can email Laura at community.volunteering@edwardhaincentre.org.uk or drop into the Centre to sign up. The prize for the winner? A unique wooden spoon and the glory of being crowned the maker of St. Ives’ best mince pies.

For more details about the Centre’s events, visit their website at www.edwardhaincentre.org.uk.

Festive Fundraising

The Mince Pie Mingle isn’t the only Christmas event hosted by the Edward Hain Centre and its supporters. The Friends of the EHC, a vital fundraising group that helps cover the Centre’s operating costs and £400,000 mortgage, have additional activities lined up in December. These include a Posh Tombola at the Carbis Bay Hotel on 7th December, a wreath-making workshop on 8th, and a Christmas Quiz at the Lifeboat on 13th.

While fundraising is essential to the Centre’s future, the focus of the Mince Pie Mingle remains firmly on festive cheer. With music, lights, and delicious treats on offer, it’s the perfect way for the St. Ives community to celebrate the season and the achievements of the Edward Hain Centre.