Pancakes with Running (water)

Here we are again – back on the road. This week I went to Olney in Buckinghamshire where each Shrove Tuesday the ladies of the town are invited to take part in the annual pancake race.

The tradition dates back to 1445 when one lady, as she cooked her pancake heard the church bell tolling and calling the residents to prayer. So, the story goes, without putting down her frying pan or depositing the precious pancake on the fire, she raced to the church along with her half cooked delicacy still in the pan.

That’s the story anyway – and what you have today is the race – strictly between ladies who live in Olney – so marathon runners and Olympic sprinters, forget it, they won’t let you take part – you have to be a resident of Olney.

Things have changed a little since I last saw the race. Maybe it’s about heath, safety and welfare, but now the competitors are urged to take part in warm up exercises. The other change, which I think is fairly new, is that there is now a three legged race for pairs.

It is still all very jolly. There is even a false star specifically for the camera crews and the locals all enjoy watching the overweight, out of condition camera operators trying to get to the finish line before the girls arrive. And goodness those competitors arrive fast.

The church bell still tolls and competitors and spectators file in to the church for the annual shriving service. It’s Shrove Tuesday (think about it) – the day before Lent begins.

My thanks to those who took part and to the lady who offered me her pancake to eat. Considering it had probably been on the floor several times, I declined!

What, you may ask is “water” doing in the title. Certainly the ladies did lots of running and the running water was from rain – which it did throughout the race.

This week’s blog is intended to be topical – but the style will vary a bit and I hope many entries will feature –“picture of the week” However many good things to come I hope.