The sterling contribution to Anguilla by the late Mary Eliza Rogers (Mary Atkin) is to be celebrated with an annual festival known as “The Mary Rogers Memorial Baking Competition.”

Mrs Rogers’ three children (2nd, 3rd and 4th from left)

It is the brainchild of President of the Anguilla National Council of Women (ANCW), Ernie Hodge-Carty, and was agreed upon at an executive council meeting on May 18 this year. Mrs. Rogers was a staunch supporter of the ANCW.

The competition was launched at a meeting held on Tuesday, October 17, at the Next Level upstairs the English Rose Restaurant in celebration of World Food Day 2006. Three of Mrs. Rogers’ children, Cheryl Franklin, Leroy Rogers and Foster Rogers, were present. The meeting was organised by ANCW in collaboration with the Ministries of Gender Affairs, Agriculture and Social Development.

Attendees at the meeting

Mrs. Hodge-Carty presided over the meeting. She welcomed those in attendance and expressed delight with the support the proposed event had attracted and spoke highly about the life and work of Mrs. Rogers.

ANCW’s Secretary, Susan Hodge, stated that aher organisation was pleased that the deceased’s children were carrying on her legacy as a famous baker. She explained that the competition was for all bakers on the island who would be required to submit cakes, cookies, pies, bread and other pastries for judging. She noted that the competition was specially arranged for next year to mark the 25th Anniversary of the ANCW.

The late Mrs. Mary E. Rogers

Miss Hodge expressed the hope that more women could become leaders in public and private life, thus helping to carry Anguilla through its present and future development phases.

Earlier during the meeting the opening prayer was delivered by Evalie Bradley, the Government’s Laision Officer with the ANCW. A poem, entitled “To a Golden Citizen”, and a song, “You’ll never know what you can do ‘till you try”, were presented by Patsy Adams, the author, an admirer and patron of the deceased whom she described as “a diligent business woman.”

Community worker, Lana Hoyoung, wrote and read the story of Mrs. Rogers’ life and work, detailing her upbringing, community service as a seamstress, photographer and leading baker.

Mrs. Rogers’ children, who represented the family at the meeting, responded to the comments on their mother and gave their own recollections of some of the lasting memories they shared. They said they were grateful for, and moved by, the honour bestowed on their mother and were looking forward to a keenly contested and successful baking competition.

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