Cookery queen and Henley resident Dame Mary Berry was on hand to welcome a selection of new outdoor furniture to Henley’s Townlands Hospital this week, helping everyone celebrate with a specially devised lemon curd sandwich cake which was served with tea and coffee in the sunshine.

The tables and benches were paid for thanks to donations from Henley businesses including Mercers; the event itself was organised by Friends of Townlands Hospital, whose members cooked up a baking bonanza, making three cakes from Mary’s recipe (including one cooked in a barbecue!)

Mary happily signed recipe cards for attendees so they could try their hand at baking (or barbecuing?) their own version, and was happy to chat about baking and much else: from agas to the perils of sinking sponges. She also spoke in glowing terms about the care and friendliness of staff at Townlands, which is one of Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s community hospitals.

Mercers puts a high priority on green solutions, and the furniture – for the use of patients, visitors and staff – is made from recycled materials. Representing the company (and meeting Mary!) were Laura Beales, Samantha Griggs and Sarah Cartland.

Article written by Sarah Cartland – Paralegal – Property