Showcasing the skills and talents of Yorkshire’s first generation
A cultural event, aimed at showcasing the talents of Yorkshire’s first-generation of Bangladeshi women, has been hailed a ‘huge success’ by organisers, after the ‘bake off’ arrived in Bradford.
On Saturday 26th November, women from across the city showcased their baking talents as a delectable mix of sweet and savoury dishes were served up at the city’s first Pitha Mela.
Held at the Shapla Community Hall, in Manningham, traditional delights, including, coconut samosas, bapas and boras, were cooked up and served in the first event of its kind.
Judges for the day included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Cllr Geoff Reid and Mrs Chris Reid.
Humayun Islam, who organised the event in affiliation with the BEAP Community Partnership, was delighted to ‘shine a light on some of the city’s most talented ladies’.
“The day was all about showcasing the skills of women from Bradford’s Bangladeshi community, highlighting the unique talents they possess,” he said.
“As well as presenting prizes for first, second and third place, the ladies were also able to sell so much of the food that they made, demonstrating entrepreneurial skills.
“It was such a success that by the end of the day, women were already talking about how to make the event even bigger next year.”
Representatives from the Bradford Bulls Foundation also called down on the day to show their support to the local project, alongside other community groups.
Winners of the bake off were presented with a stainless steel set of cutlery as well as a dinner set.
Humayun added: “We are in a position today where the first generation of Bangladeshi women who came to Bradford are still living here in the city.
“They have so much to offer to the city as a whole and this event showcased some of their unique abilities which we cannot simply lose.
“A big thank you has to go out to all the people who helped make the event possible, and of course the women and children who came down on the day.”
