Kokova Magazine

The number of people convicted of cruelty and neglect to animals rose by nearly a quarter last year, according to figures recently announced by the RSPCA. Cases revealed ahead of the charity's major fundraising push, RSPCA Week 30th May to 6th June 2012 include a dog repeatedly stabbed with a potato peeler, a dog the only survivor of a house of horror where five animals died of starvation; a blind kitten found dumped in a carrier bag and two cases involving tens of dogs kept in squalid conditions.

Having last month received the Free From Food Great Taste Award from Foods You Can (a resource website for food intolerance and allergies), Fria, Sweden's award-winning market-leader in gluten-free bakery products, received a further accolade this week, when it was awarded the prestigious Best Bread award at the Free From Food Awards 2012 in London.

Reading based company The Cake Crusader took home the top cake category award at the Free-From Food Awards 2012 at The Museum of London Docklands on Tuesday 17th April 2012. The judging panel for the Cakes and Cake Mixes Category (sponsored by Mrs Crimble's) loved the Gluten, Wheat and Dairy Free Carrot Cake.

As marathon madness takes over the Capital get set for the next urban adventure to combine fitness with exploring London's iconic landmarks - the second annual Soldier Challenge on 19th May 2012. ABF The Soldiers' Charity is inviting London-lovers to compete in the Soldier Challenge, a test of logistics and planning, as well as fitness and fun.

2012 marks the 250th anniversary of the sandwich - by far the most popular food in the UK - and the industry body, the British Sandwich Association (BSA), has announced a series of exciting projects it will be rolling out to support this very special birthday. Not only will the organisation be joining with key partners to celebrate the sheer popularity of the food phenomenon created by the Earl of Sandwich, but is also keen to raise more awareness of the industry as a key employment driver in the UK.

With around four million consumers estimated to be vegetarians, at least in part, the British Sandwich Association has launched a special Vegetarian Sandwich Month as part of its celebrations for the 250th Anniversary of the Sandwich this year.