Pancakes take to the air

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 5

Pancakes take to the air

Pancakes took to the air in a race held at the New Brighton Mall yesterday. Competitors had to run up and down a 40m course equipped with frypans, and flip their pancakes. Some competitors showed a practised ability at tossing, although those who dropped them were able to pick them up and continue — the pancakes were made from solid batter. The Shrove Tuesday event was organised by the New Brighton District Business

Association, who revived it last year after a seven-year recess. Pancake tossing on Shrove Tuesday, before the beginning of fasting on Ash Wednesday to mark Lent, has been an English custom for centuries. The Association’s secretary, Mrs Carole Evans, said there had been excellent interest in all races. “It has been a fantastic day. There is really good community spirit, and business houses are right behind us,” she said.

The big crowd watched the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, and the chairman of the Waimairi District Council, Mrs Margaret Murray, compete in the Mayoral leaders’ race. Mrs Murray crossed the line first after Sir Hamish managed to drop his pancake twice, although the master of ceremonies, Mr Garry Pring, declared the result a draw. A newsmedia race was also held, that included Murray Inglis, of 3ZM, Dave Dunlay, of 3ZB, and Rodney

Bryant, of the “Mainland Touch.” The keenly contested event was won by Jeremy Grocott, of the “Star.” Other events included races between bankers, managers, manageresses, and staff in New Brighton, as well as a contest between the police and the fire brigade. The matrons’ race, for the Jackson trophy, was won by Mrs A. Stowell. The business association now intends to run the event annually.