Flipping good fun as crowds cheer on pancake races

It’s not every day that the nave of Portsmouth Cathedral is a racetrack for pancake races, but yesterday was a spectacular exception as dozens of children enjoyed the fun.

And in Waterlooville town centre people cheered on competitors from local businesses who went head-to-head.

A pancake stall, run by Love Candy Floss, was set up at the cathedral and pancakes were served throughout the day.

John Bolt, from the cathedral, was overseeing the day’s events as children took part in races, including from St Jude’s Primary, Portsmouth High School for Girls, Portsmouth Grammar School and Charter Academy.

‘It was good fun,’ he said. ‘The children really enjoyed it.

‘We have had people come in to either watch the races or have a pancake.

‘They are more like crepe-style pancakes – a bit thinner. People have had strawberries, bananas, chocolate and all sorts of things.’

Later in the day, choristers took part in their own race.

The event in Waterlooville was organised by Havant Borough Council and six teams competed from Lloyds Bank, George’s Mums, Victory Hants, Co-op Funeral Care, Matalan, and Waitrose.

Cheering on the teams was Kirsteen Fishwick, 66, and her three-year-old grand-daughter Rosie Fishwick.

Mrs Fishwick, from Waterlooville, said: ‘It’s fun – it’s a focus for the town.

‘My grandaughter and I have made the batter and we are going home to flip them.

‘I’m an excellent flipper after years of practice! I haven’t stuck one on the ceiling yet.’

After a gutsy display, Co-op and Matalan raced in the final with Co-op sealing victory and taking home the shield.

They donated £200 to their chosen charity, Whizz Kidz, which provides disabled children with wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

Sue Mawson, 44, who works at Co-op Funeral Care Chichester, said: ‘It’s a lot of fun.

‘It’s the third year running I have done it and the first year we have won it.’

Mayor of Havant borough, Cllr Leah Turner, presented them with a shield.