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Kent Wildlife Trust : the largest active conservation charity in Kent

Saving the Garden of England

A world record first

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Kent Wildlife Trust’s Head of Fundraising, Phillip King, and 50th Anniversary Officer, Amanda Hamley, announce the new world record at the weigh-in.

Kent Wildlife Trust went wild with joy today when its attempt to create a new world record for the largest bird seed cake weighed in at 1.29 tons, well over the one metric ton requirement set by Guinness World Records™.

Homemade to the traditional recipe of flour, fat and birdseed, this one-of-a-kind creation was ‘baked to perfection’ at the Trust’s headquarters.

“We wanted to launch our 50th anniversary events programme with a bang, and what better way to do this than by setting a new Guinness World Record™” says the Trust’s Head of Fundraising, Phil King.

“It’s all about raising awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife for the future and the vital role Kent Wildlife Trust plays. People can support us this year by becoming members and by taking part in Kent’s biggest ever wildlife survey which is being delivered to virtually every household in the county.”

“Of course we’re thrilled that it weighed in at 1.29 tons, and we are confident we followed all the official rules and look forward to receiving confirmation from Guinness World Records™ soon, once the evidence is submitted.”

The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Ash, and John Kenward, a local vet, were among the official verifiers on hand throughout the day to officially witness the proceedings.

Chairman, Fidelity Weston, added: “We’re so grateful to the many organisations that have supported us in this world record attempt; from the cake box and ingredients to the weighbridge and ice packs from local pubs, almost everything was donated by generous businesses. Thanks also goes to the official witnesses who generously gave their time.”

“It was great to have our valued Trustees and supporters with us to celebrate this momentous occasion and all it represents.”

Once the cake has set it will be divided into portions and given free of charge to members of the public at the Maidstone ‘This is Your Wildlife’ town centre event on Saturday 3rd May, and at the Trust’s visitor centres around Kent.

“We encourage people to visit our website for more information about this exceptional cake and where they can collect a piece of it,” says Phil King.

Editors’ Notes:

1) This world record would not be possible without the generous support of the following corporate sponsors:  

  • Vine House Farm (Spalding) for supplies of bird seed
  • Unipet International (Sittingbourne) for supplies of beef suet (lard) and flour
  • Travis Perkins (Aylesford) for providing the cake holder
  • Wm. Lillico & Son (Aylesford) for use of their weighbridge facilities
  • Invicta Spa (Sandling) for use of their forklift
  • Yewtree Pub (Sandling) for donating ice
  • Cobtree Manor Park Golf Club (Sandling) for donating ice
  • The Lower Bell pub (Blue Bell Hill) for donating ice


2) The Trust undertook all necessary risk assessments for this event.

3) Photographs and documented evidence of the record attempt will be sent to Guinness World Records™ for official approval and confirmation.

4) 2008 sees the 50th anniversary of Kent Wildlife Trust and an ambitious programme of events has been planned to mark the occasion. The Trust is the leading conservation charity in Kent and Medway, managing five visitor centres, 60 nature reserves covering 7,500 acres, and a membership, staff and volunteer base totalling 30,000.

5) This year, the Trust is honoured to have actress, Joanna Lumley, as its patron for the 50th Anniversary.
 

 
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