Warwick Marketplace was bathed in sunshine last Tuesday lunchtime, Shrove Tuesday, for the annual pancake races organised by the Rotary Club of Warwick.

“Olly the Brave” the mascot from local charity Molly Olly’s Wishes was welcomed by Warwick Mayor Cllr Dave Skinner and Rotary President Dick Dixon, and ran against a real dog and handler from The Guide Dogs which evened up the odds! Then a team of town councillors raced against Safeline charity. After a closely fought final the Guide Dogs team beat the Town Councillors, and carried off bottles of Bucks Fizz.

A record number of entrants kept organisers busy as children from 9 local Primary schools and local charities were cheered on by a crowd of excited children, parents and passers-by. Staff from The Globe Hotel circulated with trays of pancakes.

Rotarian Jon Wassall set off the first of 34 teams with children racing up and down the square flipping pancakes as they went, watched by first aiders from (WARKSAR) Warwickshire Search & Rescue who commented what a joyous experience it was with fortunately no spills!

Youngsters from Year 2 at Emscote Primary were on good form and after winning 2 of the heats finally won the match. In the Year 6 races Coten End Primary youngsters prevailed and won the trophy this year.

Rotary President Dick Dixon and Warwick Mayor Councillor Dave Skinner presented prizes to the winning teams. Winners all received Easter Eggs donated by Tesco.

Rotary President Dick Dixon said “we were delighted that the day turned out so well, it was really buzzing with so much energy from all the children. This is one of the events we arrange for the local community, and we are delighted that local businesses have joined in”.

 

 

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