Manchesters Village Bakers win prestigious The Co-operative Respect ‘Loved by You’ Award

Manchester’s Village Bakers have proudly won the prestigious best social / networking group 2013 award within the Co-operatives Respect ‘Loved By You Awards’.

The awards celebrate a variety of organisations across the LGBT networks from all areas within the UK. The Village Bakers have topped the social networking category and won the award for the LGBT community.

The Co-operative Respect Group explained  “The awards were an opportunity for people from all over the UK (anyone in the world could vote too) to vote for their favourites in 27 diverse categories. Categories ranged from ‘LGBT Charity of the Year’ to ‘Inclusive Event of the Year’.

Inspired by the Great British Bake Off, the Village Bakers have achieved many high’s in just over a year  …. the group has supported many charities and organisations, including hosting  The Great Village Bake Off as part of Manchester Pride Fringe, helping raise funds for Manchester Pride’s Community Fund. In addition to this the group as contributed to The George House Trust Mobile Bake Sale raising in excess of £500, supported the launch of UK’s first LGBT retail Network – Checkout producing rainbow inspired cakes. Provided a Cake Pop giveaway and baking master class for Sparkle, A UK Transgender festival, and with regular foodie evenings including a fabulous tapas night and cocktail event the members at Village Bakers just keep growing.

Thomas Anderson, Co-Chair of The Co-operative’s Respect network said: “In a short space of time the Village Bakers have established themselves as a wonderful inclusive social and networking group that offers something different.

Whether it is great events (with the temptation of lots of cake), an entry in the Manchester Pride parade or contributing recipes to magazines, they have really gone all out this year to reach more people. This strong engagement, and great branding, has come through with the group being named our ‘LGBT Social/Networking Group of the Year’. Big congratulations from the Respect team. We look forward to seeing what delights you serve up in 2014!”

The Village bakers have a simple aim to Bake it! Bring it! Share it! within Manchester’s Gay Village.  With no soggy bottoms, and plenty of stiff peaks the group provides an inclusive, informal setting for members to meet new people and form new friendships whilst sampling each other’s buns!

Kevin Sargent, Chair and Founder of Village bakers added “The Village Bakers are proud to have won the Co-operative Loved by You award for LGBT Social/Networking Group of the Year, the award highlights the work we have done to provide a safe and inclusive social group, to allow like minded people to form lifelong friendships, whilst eating copious amounts of cakes and buns. Winning this award really is the cherry on top of our cake.”

The group is always looking forward to meeting new members and the group meets every second Sunday of each month at 1pm at The Molly House, Richmond Street, Manchester.

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