Youngsters were given the chance to be mini bakers and bread makers as a disused hospital hosted its first event on the road to becoming a community hub.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

SouthGen, based in Southwold, Suffolk, held a 'Bread n' Butter' making workshop to teach more than 20 children more about where their food comes from on Wednesday, February 19.

"It was wonderful, just incredible," said Jessica Jeans, 72, the chairman of the group.

"It was just a bunch of happy kids of all ages between four and 11, and from everywhere, having a go at making butter and soda bread."

Mrs Jeans had the idea to run the family cooking event, which coincided with national real bread week, after hearing about her niece learning to bake in nursery.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

She said: "We have a cafe, and I thought 'why can't we do this here?'. There's a huge artisan food business in Suffolk, and so many kids don't understand where their food comes from and lack confidence.

"They often get stuck in front of the television, and we wanted to do something to connect them with the area during half-term."

The children worked in groups of five to make butter, soda bread and grape jelly - all with local ingredients.

"Everyone was supporting each other. Even the kids who were less able were being helped by other kids. I don't think any of them will forget this day."

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

SouthGen was formed to try and save the old Southwold Hospital, and the group are now working to refurbish it to become a community hub.

The event today was the first family event the group hosted, however Mrs Jeans said: "We have at least four more days planned like this for 2020, it's all in the pipelines.

"We were set up to try and encourage motivation, and we're involved with teaching and training and we are starting with the youngest children and hopefully will go on to those who are older.

"Hopefully it will encourage the children to take an interest in cooking and where their food comes from.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

"My personal highlight was all of the children enjoying the jelly afterwards - licking the bowl clean."

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Eastern Daily Press: One of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOne of the children making bread at Southwold in the Bread 'N' Butter workshop. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)