Lorraine’s iconic fruit cake is back

THE ARAWATA Farmer’s Breakfast is back this year for its fortieth year and long-time local supporter Lorraine Touzel will once again be bringing along her well-loved fruit cakes for auction. 

Lorraine and husband John Touzel were residents of Kardella - the other side of the road of Arawata - for thirty-two years.  

They were members of the Arawata Hall Committee during that time and the Breakfast was an annual fundraiser to raise money for hall expenses. 

Over the years Lorraine became quite famous among locals for her delicious fruit cakes, which she bakes for the Breakfast. 

The cakes often attract spirited bidding from the locals and Lorraine remembers one once going for $65. 

“I get embarrassed really,” she said. 

Lorraine began baking fruit cake for John, who she met when she was sixteen, and this year they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. 

“I started baking them when we were first married and when my husband John went to work, he went through one a week… with other people having some of it too, I think.” 

Lorraine and John now live in Korumburra with fond memories of Arawata and still enjoy visiting and supporting the town. 

“I think we’re one of the last of the older generation and the new generation are coming on now, and they’re still lovely. When we can, we still go out to the casserole teas,” Lorraine said. 

While Lorraine doesn’t eat fruit cake herself and with John long retired, she only occasionally bakes now, for her grandchildren, and of course for the Arawata Farmers Breakfast.

Two of the iconic fruit cakes will be gracing the auction tables this year and Lorraine explained why she thinks they’re such hit.

They contain all the obvious contenders, including cherries, sultanas and dates, but, she thinks, it’s the tin of crushed pineapple that she adds in, is what makes them so popular. 

There is only one way to find out. 

The Arawata Farmers Breakfast will be held at the Arawata Hall on Saturday October 21, from 8.30 am, with breakfast at 9 am. Entry is $15 per person.