Cookery writer heads to Whichford to judge marmalade festival

The popular event has grown in recent years and now raises funds for St Michael’s Church and Shipston Home Nursing.

The festival has encouraged many people who had never made marmalade to explore its mysteries and go on to win one of the awards.

Mrs Holt was the first foreigner to be awarded the Grand Prix de la Cuisine in France and on Saturday she handed out certificates to the winners, including Georgina Style who brought her fine cut Seville Orange marmalade.

Julia Melvin, one of the organisers, said: “The standard was exceedingly high, and the competition to find the best marmalade makers was fiercely contended.Shipston Home Nursing was given £300 from the Festival and St Michael’s church a similar sum.

“Geraldene’s distinguished career as a cookery writer has reflected the capacity of many women who, faced with life’s ups and downs, find that they can turn their hands – literally - to a living that is both creative and productive.”