Winning the toss... pancake racers vie for victory
IT IS the one day of the year on which balanced diets and dining room etiquette are abandoned on a tide of batter and lemon juice, often with barely a nod to the religious significance.
However, the chance to celebrate Shrove Tuesday in the traditional manner was seized by choirboys, clerics and their communities across the country.
In the market town of Olney in Buckinghamshire, a custom dating back to 1445 sees local women in aprons and headscarves racing 415 yards, with the winner required to flip a pancake as she crosses the finish line.
A more recently constituted event at Winchester Cathedral requires 20 teams in either clerical or mayoral regalia, to toss pancakes on frying pans, with
Folklore has it that the tradition for races evolved from the need for women to rush to church.
proceeds going to church coffers.
A similar event on Liverpool’s Pier Head saw its 40th running, while Leeds Minster’s annual race drew pupils from St Peter’s Church of England primary school.
Shrove Tuesday, which has fallen late this year, is part of the Christian calendar marking the eve of Lent, the 40 days of fasting and prayers before Easter. It historically allowed parishioners to use up their supplies before Ash Wednesday.
The old English word shrove is derived from the verb to confess sins, and folklore has it that the tradition for races evolved from the need for women to rush to church before the noon cut-off.
All of this appeared lost on the participants at an event in London, who competed only to eat more than anyone else. The appropriately-named Kate Ovens managed to finish nine of the 10 pancakes placed before her in a 20in stack, with a fruit compote and bacon garnish.