There were some new faces at this year’s World Bonnag Championships, held in St James’ Church in Dalby; namely compére Peter Quayle and judges Mona Kerruish and Jill Cain, who had the unenviable task of judging more than fifty bonnags.
With barely room in the audience to swing a carton of buttermilk, talented bakers had the opportunity to test their skills on this simple, un-yeasted bread, which once caught the attention of the well known British cookery writer Elizabeth David.
Whilst judging got under way, entertainment was provided by the Southern Belles (who sang a selection of songs from a number of decades) and later by vocalist Terry Qualtrough.
Having tucked into a traditional Manx supper, members of the audience were invited to bid for one of the many competition bonnags.
Shoprite kindly sponsored the many classes on offer, which included a new category for those specialising in gluten free baking, and a class specifically for catering establishments, so as to encourage sales of a true Manx bonnag in the public arena.
All those taking part in the competition received a complimentary bag of soda bread flour courtesy of Laxey Glen Flour Mill.
Results
Women: Margy Killey
Men: AnthonyQuirk
Children: M.Keig (also the overall winner of the Isle of Man Creamery Buttermilk Cup)
Gluten Free: GillQualtrough
Commercial: John Olerenshaw ( Greens – St John’s))
Valerie Caine
© June 2016
(Courtesy of the North Western Chronicle)
