Steward in the decorated cakes section Olga Hombsch wasn’t about to let on how many years she’d been attending the show but it was “plenty” and each year entries seem to set new standards in skill and precision.

This year’s winning entry and ultimately the most successful exhibitor broad ribbon went to Boggabri resident Chick Grover.

“There were some absolutely beautiful wedding cakes here,” Mrs Hombsch said.

She said the skill of the entrants was evident in the fine work in creating sugar decorations in the form of proteas, waratahs, wildflowers, banksias, gumnuts and a wide variety of roses.

“Decorated cakes can be very ornate or simple but elegant,” Mrs Hombsch said.

However she said gone were the days of spending many hours making lace out of icing sugar.

“It used to play hell with my back,” she said.

The Tamworth branch of the Cake Decorators’ Association of NSW will play host to the 21st state convention from May 21 to 23.

The convention, Mrs Hombsch said, would provide a showcase for members and visitors to sit in on numerous demonstrations, do some idea sharing and promote the craft.