Ye Olde Pancake Race

21.02.12

It's Shrove Tuesday and so, in the City of London and particularly the yard of the Guildhall, it is time for ye olde Inter Livery Pancake Race. This tradition goes back a whole ... eight years when it was started by the Poulterers Company. However it is already shrouded in strange rules and regulations relating to dress codes and race procedures. Before the races there was a course inspection followed by a blessing from Canon Paul Thomas. The first race was started by Sir Michael Savory coincidentally with a cannon, and was the Master race. This was won last year by our very own, now Immediate Past Master, Jim Surguy. So, as I was unable to race, who better to replace me then he. And didn't he do well coming second in both the heats and the final. Indeed all our entrants were placed (did not come last). So congratulations to Annie Brooks in the Ladies Race; Lesley Wilson as a nurse in the Novelty Race, and Jeremy Stern in the Liverymen race. 

All runners were spurred on by our large team of supporters who, complete with banner, were the noisiest in what was a large crowd which included some totally confused tourists. Throughout the race, pancakes were available for all, while after it there was lunch in the Guildhall Crypt. This included soup in a commemorative cup, and a hot buffet which was most welcome on what was a bright, dry, but cold day. As usual the Cook and Butler put on a fine spread.

 So, in all a great event with an excellent opportunity to meet with fellow Marketors and also people from other Livery Companies. Finally I would like to point out that, contrary to popular belief at the races, I did not use the words tosser or eggscitement in this blog - damn!

John Flynn
Master Marketor