SI Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races & Lunches took place on Tues. 16 February 2010.
Sixteen teams of four, some in fancy dress, battled it out in the Market Place, Newbury frantically tossing their pancakes, cheered on by hundreds of very enthusiastic spectators.
The coveted title of Newbury Pancake Champions 2010 was won by the Newbury Weekly News’ team. Newbury Young People’s Council, dressed as Teletubbies, won the Best Dressed Team title. Richard Jennings of BACYP (Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People) dressed as Mario of Mario Bros. was thrilled to win the title of Pancake Tosser of the Year!
After the races, children from a local nursery school participated in the re-enactment of catching pancakes thrown from St. Nicolas Church Tower. These pancakes were originally for the poor of the town and the practice was discontinued in 1924, but reinstated by the Newbury SI club in 2006. This was followed by members from the race teams vying to catch the Golden Pancake.
Delicious pancakes, 420 of them cooked solely by SI member Sylvia Grimwood with fillings made by her band of SI helpers, were served in St. Nicolas Church Hall.
A very exciting and exhausting day was thoroughly enjoyed by both participants and the organizers.
This year’s President’s nominated charity – Stroke Care for Newbury & West Berkshire will benefit from the monies raised, which totalled approximately £900.
For reports on the race and pictures visit the Newbury Today website and the Newbury Sound website