PANCAKES AT THE GUILDHALL 2010

                              John Dixon    Pat Graves   The Master   Tony Norris

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers took part in the 6th annual Inter Livery Pancake Race. This event is organized by the Poulters Company and takes place in The Guildhall Yard. Pancake races are held all over England on Shrove Tuesday and perhaps the trickiest part is tossing the pancake and then keeping it in the pan in one piece to cross the finish line.

 Teams of four liverymen or women in their gowns, and skirts below the knee for ladies, race for the prize of an engraved frying pan. There is also a novelty hat race to raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity – this year’s theme was musicals. Unfortunately the weather was not good for the Races with rain leaving a good deal of surface water on the Guidlhall Yard. Spectators of the Races were a sea of brightly coloured umbrellas, calling out encouragement to their teams. A loud start to the Race was provided by the Gunmakers Company and all the contestants were wearing gloves from the Glovers. 

The Master, Michael Davis was joined by team members John Dixon, Patty Graves and Tony Norris. Sadly The WCHCD did not win any of their races, but it was a fun event enjoyed by everyone despite the weather. Lunch was held in The Guildhall Crypt afterwards when all the winners were also announced.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts. It is a penitence, to clean the soul, and is traditionally a day of celebration as the last chance to “feast” before Lent begins. Pancakes are eaten because in times gone by families wanted to use up the eggs they had before Lent began as eggs were amongst the foods not eaten during Lent. Although the Inter Livery Pancake Race only began six years ago, there are many races with a much longer history. Pancake races are thought to have begun in 1445. A woman had lost track of the time on Shrove Tuesday, and was busy cooking pancakes in her kitchen. Suddenly she heard the church bell ringing to call the faithful to church for confession. The woman raced out of her house and ran all the way to church; still holding her frying pan and wearing her apron.
Click here to read more about this years Hitch Award for Bravery