It wouldn’t be summer without the annual mark-making* family social. A relaxed event with festival vibes, where mark-makers and their families meet up to enjoy good company, tasty food and summer tunes with a game of Cornhole or round of crazy golf should you wish to exert yourself. And after two years of pandemic-imposed cancellations, we were excited to revive the happy tradition.

At mark-making* we love a competition, and this year was all about baking. Entries ranged from a stunning Biscoff creation briefed by Rich and made by Alex, to an exotic Hanvol cake made with Indian spices and vegetables by Debs. The competition, judged by a local (who happened to be walking past at the time), was won by Nic Holt – with her elegant take on a true British classic, the Victoria Sponge. Congratulations to Nic – and may her victory compel her to share more of her culinary talents with us in the future!

The pièce de résistance of any party is of course the food, and, aside from competitive cakes-galore, an excellent spread was laid on. Wood fired pizzas, which I can testify were AMAZING, plus cones on tap from our very own ice cream van – so all-in-all maximum scoffage and minimal washing up. An absolute dream!

With full bellies, some very exhausted mark-maker parents, and some slightly less exhausted children, our summer social came to an end. For this year at least…

A big shout-out goes to mm* team welldoing and especially Anna who organised a fab social. Plus special thanks to local boys Games2Hire for providing all the brilliant games (aside from Steve’s trusty cornhole of course), and Dough Wood Fired Pizza, The Cotswold Ice Queen and all our star bakers for the delicious feast.