Gazette News
Pancake racers record flipping fast times
2:56pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
VILLAGERS of all ages grabbed their frying pans to participate in a Troutbeck tradition which sees the community come together to mark Shrove Tuesday.
The annual pancake races have grown in popularity since they were started by villager Rosemary Hopwood in the Millennium Year.
“The pancake races in 2000 were so successful that we just carried on doing them,” said Ms Hopwood. “It has become a real village tradition – so many people take part and there are lots of volunteers to make the pancakes.”
The races, which included events for men, women, boys, girls and hotels, were started by town crier Tony Legge. With three tosses of the pancake, competitors set off flipping along the 100-metre course through the village, cheered on by spectators.
“I really enjoy organising the races, it’s good fun,” said Mr Legge. “It’s great because no matter how old you are you can take part, so everybody joins in.”
Among the winners was Sophie Quick, aged 10, of Windermere, who said: “Both me and my brother Edward were racing today and I have been looking forward to it as we did it last year. It is great fun because it is something different, so I will continue to do it again and again.”