Shrove Tuesday capers

Pancake pandemonium

Chaos reigned in the rain at the Yarmouth annual pancake races. The races, which were cancelled last year due to Covid, were welcomed back with the children of Yarmouth Primary School competing.

The Prestigious Shrove Tuesday Pancake Trophy for pubs and businesses was won by Gossips Cafe following their success in 2020. This time Harry Rimmell took first place from Scott Wright of The Terrace who tripped and fell as he made a dramatic lunge for the line.

Jen Allen, chair of Yarmouth Carnival Committee, which organised the event, said: “It was great, despite the weather. We had a great turn-out and there weren’t too many spilled pancakes to clear up!

“It was a really lively morning and lots of fun with a nice crowd and the event was well supported by local businesses who supplied the prizes. We are also grateful for Wight Event First Aid who were also here.”

There were a total of 18 races, with best apron competitions for children and adults. Adult best apron was awarded to Adrian Evans, from The Wheatsheaf, who was also dressed as a lion.

Prize donors included Yarmouth Connoisseurs, Salty’s, the River Yar Boatyard and PO41 with Yarmouth Delicatessen making pancakes outside its shop. The Mallishag was Josh Edwards from On the Rocks and Race Director (Mustapha Pancake) was Mike Grinstead. MC was Anne Kyle, Commodore of the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

Prizes were presented by Yarmouth Deputy Mayor, Jamie Allen.

There were also pancake races held at Shalfleet Primary School.

Fundraising fun

In Ryde, Mayor Michael Lilley held his annual pancake-tossing event to raise awareness of poverty and the work of the IW Foodbanks.

It was hosted at Pickle & Dill, Union Street, with its owner, Bob Wright, winning the competition by tossing his pancake 270 times in the allotted three minutes.

Michael said: “It went fantastically well, although my pancake tossing seems to be getting worse! I only managed 117, so I was well beaten.

“We raised £160 on the day but hope that different businesses and sponsors will add their donations to take the total well past £1,000.

“Pickle & Dill supplied a food hamper for the winner but, as Bob won the event, they are going to raffle it off for the foodbanks.

“This is the sixth year we have held it – last year’s was virtual – and we have so far raised more than £9,000, which all goes to support the work of our foodbanks who, literally, are saving lives.”