70 years at the show: Bendigo baker's scone streak hits a milestone
Elaine Pitson has been entering scones at the Bendigo Agricultural Show for 70 years, winning regularly since her first victory in 1955.
The 70-year-old from Huntly made her first scone entry at the Bendigo Agricultural Show in 1955 in the junior section and won. She's been entering ever since, regularly taking out the baked goods contest.
Pitson has no written recipe, working instead by feel and instinct, combining milk, cream and other ingredients without measuring. One year she entered six items and won six first prizes.
Her secret is a hot oven and speed. She aims for scones with a flat top and bottom and a good colour.
Over the decades, Pitson has made scones for events, funerals, cafes and even the Department of Agriculture offices where she once worked, earning her the nickname "Flo" after Florence Bjelke-Petersen, the former Premier's wife known for her own pumpkin scones.
People still ring her regularly asking for scones, though she has to say no sometimes.
- 70 years
- Years competing
- 1955
- First win year
- 70 years old
- Age
- Huntly
- Hometown
Why it mattersIt's a beautiful example of mastering a single craft over a lifetime and being valued by a whole community for that skill.
AustraliaBendigo residents recognise her as a local legend, and the Bendigo Agricultural Show has celebrated her as part of the town's baking tradition.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
