111. Inter-Livery Pancake Race

Each Shrove Tuesday, the Worshipful Company of Poulters organize an inter-livery pancake race in the Guildhall Yard in London.

This is a fun event and some 30 livery companies took part this year, including us. The Lord Mayor and the two Sheriffs watched over proceedings, to ensure no cheating! There are four categories of race: Master, Liverymen, Ladies and Novelty. The participants (racing in groups of five) have to wear their gowns, badges, an apron, chef’s hat and gloves – the novelty theme has to reflect the current Lord Mayor’s music related charities.

Our Clerk, Ralph Riley was team manager and I ran as Master, Fiona ran as a Liveryman, Lynva Russell represented us in the Ladies Race and Mike Williamson was our Novelty entry. Mike was dressed as conductor Sir Simon Rattle who joins the London Symphony Orchestra as Music Director in September.

We were unfortunate in not winning anything, but had great fun on the day.

Photographs show the team (from L to R Lynva, Mike, Fiona and me), Fiona in full flight in the liverymen’s race and Mike in his spectacular costume.

Many thanks to the Poulters for organizing this fun event.