The return of Crufts and a golden year for the Prince
Pancakes, pooches, wilderness tales and a royal anniversary are amongst what to expect in the week ahead. Laura Drysdale explores just what is in store.
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He was one of the stars of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph against West Germany and will always be remembered for a remarkable save he made to deny Brazilian superstar Pele four years later in Mexico, so it is no surprise that thousands of tributes have been paid to Sheffield-born goalkeeper Gordon Banks since his passing last month.
A host of footballing stars are expected to attend his funeral at Stoke Minster today, on the 47th anniversary of his former club Stoke City’s League Cup win.
PANCAKES
Whilst Brexit continues to split opinions in Parliament, with more toing and froing likely between Brussels and Westminster this week, there will at least be more unity where food is concerned.
Whether savoury or sweet, there’s one dish that will be on the menu for many – and perhaps on the floor for those less skilled in flipping.
Nationwide, events will be taking place to mark Pancake Day on Tuesday including in Scarborough, where Yorkshire Coast Radio and Scarborough Council are teaming up to host the seaside town’s annual pancake race.
Competitors will be judged on their speed, fancy dress, pancake flipping technique and how much mixture they have left in their pan after tackling an obstacle course. The winners will take home the much coveted ‘Golden Frying Pan’.
GOLDEN YEAR
Also on Tuesday, the Queen is to host a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales. It’s perhaps unlikely that the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Princess Royal will attend the special reception at Buckingham Palace.
Charles was created the Prince of Wales when he was only nine years old and was formally invested with the title by the Queen 11 years later. The ceremony took place on July 1, 1969 at Caernarfon Castle when he was 20.
EYES ON THE CANINES
It brands itself as the world’s greatest dog show and there’s certainly plenty going on at this year’s Crufts. It kicks off in Birmingham on Thursday and will include thousands of dogs competing across a variety of classes and more than 550 trade stands.
More than 13 hours of television coverage will be given to the show on Channel 4 and More 4, with Clare Balding at the helm. The grand finale will take place on Sunday when Best in Show will be crowned.
WOMEN
Friday marks International Women’s Day and this year’s campaign theme is #BalanceforBetter.
“Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue,” organisers say. “The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage ...Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.”
Events will take place across the county, including in Wakefield where a project group has commissioned a play about some of the area’s inspirational women they say have been forgotten in the city’s history.
THEATRE
Adventurer Ben Fogle is in the region this week, appearing in conversation at theatres in York and Leeds. From crossing Antarctica to conquering Everest, he will share tales of his time in the wilderness, at York Barbican on Friday, and Leeds Town Hall on Sunday.