Cakes, crafts and more cakes at Isle of Ely Federation Women’s Institute afternoon - now with winners list!

But they have to wait patiently, as the judges intricately inspect piccalillis, chillis and various other preserves (78, in total) entered by people from more than 30 different WI groups from Ely, Outwell, Wisbech, March and other Fenland villages.

It’s not just jars that are judged either; 47 craft items including knitwear and stitching, 47 photographs based on the theme ‘to include an arch’ and 60 cherry cakes (each made to the same recipe and strict size) are also up for scrutiny.

Jean Thurston, judging on the day, said: “I think the standard was high, everyone that has entered has gone to a great deal of trouble.

“There has been an excellent number of entries and it’s been extremely enjoyable to judge.

“The members have contributed to the exhibition in a first class way. It’s lovely for them to keep up the standard of the WI.”

Sue Nulty, national WI judge, added: “We started at 10.30am so it’s been five hours pretty much non-stop – 78 jars of preserves; every one tasted! The medlar jelly was awarded first prize, everything about it is just superb.

“I loved it. It was good fun and the entries are of a very high standard – the majority received at least 17 out of 20 marks.

Susan Kightly who entered three jars of preserves, including bramble jelly, beetroot chutney and lemon curd, was awarded highly commended.

“I’m very chuffed and pleased,” she said, having entered previously and not been awarded.

Beryl Brooks, vice-chairman, said: “The theme for the co-operative displays was spring and we’ve had some great interpretations.

“Overall, I think we have had more entries this year than ever before.”

The winners were:

Co-operative – Haddenham - WI

Crafts – Rosemary Green - Mepal WI

Photography - Ruth Dixon - Witchford WI

Preserves - Marion Dyson - Wisbech Centre WI

Cookery - Liz Fitzgerald - Haddenham WI

Overall winner scoring the most points - Welle WI