The Worshipful Company of Poulters' Inter Livery Pancake Races
5th March 2019Every year the Worshipful Company of Poulters organises a pancake race on the cobbles of Guildhall Yard, raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s charities. Last year’s event was a bit of a damp squib, with Health and Safety considerations meaning that the rain prevented any actual running, and competitors were restricted to a standing toss. The lack of running may have played to Past Master Miller’s strength(s) but, unfortunately, glory was not bestowed upon him or any other member of his team.
This year, the sun shone brightly on the contestants and a crack team of Pipe Makers assembled at the appointed hour. Our team was made up of the Master, the Mistress, the Third Warden and Assistant Elise Rasmussen, and was cannily led and organised - as ever – by the Clerk. The Clerk’s instruction for the team to tie their aprons outside their gowns (so as to avoid any unnecessary flapping and improve aerodynamics) was frowned upon by some contestants, and then imitated by many.
The racing was fiercely competitive, with numerous pancakes, frying pans and contestants ending up sprawled across the cobbles. For once, and much to the obvious surprise of the master of ceremonies, two intrepid Pipe Makers (The Master and the Third Warden) managed to creep into their respective finals. Despite the Mistress’s valiant efforts, and the creative genius of Elise - whose two previous novelty costumes had been prize-winning creations - no further glory was to fall upon us. Indeed, our two finalists were out-run and out-tossed by those around them. However, it is fair to say that honour was upheld, a good time was had by all and a significant sum of money was raised for good causes.