The 12th Inter-Livery Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race took place on 8 February, organised by the Poulters’ Company in conjunction with The Cook and the Butler. We were there because water is an important ingredient in the making of pancakes. The races take place in the Guildhall Yard, cobblestones and all!
Our part of the race - heats and a final - was run into three groups: the Masters, the Liverymen, and the Ladies races (see right). The fourth group, the Novelty – well see below.
We did well. I won my heat but disqualified myself in the final by losing my pancake en route. Robbie did especially well, winning his heat, and in the final he arrived first but came second because his frying pan fell off the stand. Mavis has started our recovery in the Ladies group. From being historically last-ish, she was in midfield.
The races were also memorable for the blessing we received at the start from the Chaplain: ‘… preserve from ringers …’ and other surprising exhortations.
Now then. The important Novelty Race. Warden Mike had won last year with in a chicken costume reflecting the Poulters’ sponsorship and the ballet interests of the LM. This year it was Sea Cadets: Mike was in the finals with his arthritic ex Sea Cadet kit plus music, but the prize went to a Young Freeman dress as a buoy – at least that’s what I thought it was. Needless to say we were robbed but we took it in good spirit (eventually).
Thanks to Robbie, Mavis and Mike (and team captain Ralph) for a fun morning with no casualties. We are already thinking of next year’s team so any Olympic hopefuls in the Company – now is your hour. Apply to Keith, the Thames Warden. Whether Mike will do another year remains to be seen; some of us are walking this way without any acting.
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