
The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre is ever growing, but who is making that happen? Drawing in more and more people across cultures, across spiritual practices, across continents… the centre is an interconnected village of free spirits, artists, teachers, speakers and more. The colourful villagers are what makes the Centre the special place that it is, of course. It takes a village to raise a child, the adage goes. But, attention and appreciation is due to one woman in particular, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible. Our Centre Manager, Shereen Elder. For every event you attend, for every workshop, for every short visit; Shereen works hard to make it a memorable and positive experience for you. From arranging volunteers to finding the highest calibre of hosts for events. From slaying mountains of paperwork to hauling tables and chairs up and down flights of stairs. Shereen makes the Centre what it is.
And she also happens to love baking! Now that she’s confined to home, Shereen has transformed into a one-woman bakery.
“I’m a big fan of baking but rarely get to eat my bakes myself thanks to my hungry husband. I suppose that makes the whole concept of baking more guilt-free, right? I’ve always loved it, and cake creations are my favourite!”
We’ve all been experiencing hard times, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a stressful time of uncertainty for many. But especially for those working in essential roles. Shereen’s husband, Steven works for the NHS in operating theatres. He is on the frontline, seeing first-hand what’s going on.
Whilst still keeping the centre running in its current virtual state, Shereen decides to make herself useful where it counts. To do her part to help in one way she knows how – baking!



Banana and Medjool Date Cake

Well done Shereen, these cakes look fabulous, makes me just want to eat them and I’m certainly going to try out that recipe. Glad you’re keeping the NHS frontline fed, they too are doing a great job. Well done.
Hi Shireen, congratulations on your efforts with the centre and for looking after the welfare of our NHS staff with your delicious looking bakes. Hope you and Steven are well?
Wow your cakes are A-MAZ-ING! I was just saying to Peter earlier today that I should do some baking, but none of my recipients (husband and dogs ) are doing the worthwhile job that yours are. Thanks to them – and to you for making their lives that bit more cheerful.
Thanks Shereen for all you do for the Centre. We’re all drooling over the cakes here so I am going to have a go at your recipe. I bought dates yesterday, for some unknown reason….now I know why!!
Shereen, you are a credit to the Conan Doyle Centre! Your cakes and macaroons look out of this world and I can imagine how much they were appreciated and will be over the coming weeks.
Thank you for sharing your recipe – can’t wait to try it!
You certainly have a beautiful talent there. Mouth-wateringly gorgeous!!
How wonderful Shereen. Steven and his colleagues will really appreciate and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Perhaps you could do a cooking vlog to share your expertise! You inspired me to make scones yesterday but with no one to share them with they are in the freezer so I don’t eat them all at once lol. Looking forward to seeing you all back at the Centre once this is over. Stay safe and well xx
We’ll done Shereen, Peter and All of his colleagues. We truly are indebted to you all at this challenging time. Truly scrumptious baking. May give an easy one a try. X Keep up the good work. Love light and peace to all
Thank you for recipe Shereen, it inspired me to get baking so made the banana & date cake today. It is delicious, don’t think it will last two days so may have to make more 🙂
xx