With Shrove Tuesday falling during February half term this year, the traditional pancake-based celebrations were moved forward a week to Tuesday 10 February. This was the third consecutive year pastoral staff have held a pancake supper in the Pavilion, which is always greatly appreciated by pupils. Such is the excitement surrounding ‘pancake day’ many day pupils arranged to stay late, especially so that they could join in.
Sweet treats aside, there is of course considerable religious significance associated with the period of Lent. College Chaplain Mr Cousins, known as ‘The Rev’, explained: ‘Before the pancakes were served, I talked about the reasons why we celebrate Shrove Tuesday, as this was traditionally a time when food was used up before the season of Lent and fasting. Many pupils took the opportunity to discuss things they may wish to give up for Lent this year.
There was also a pancake tossing competition between Barney, the Head Chapel Warden and Emma, the Deputy Head Chapel Warden. The undisputed winner was Emma who managed to keep her pancake intact! Around 80 students then enjoyed the pancakes, followed by doughnuts and cakes. Afterwards the students had some games of bingo. There were two bingo callers - myself in the Pavilion and Barney in the overflow room of Mr Curtis’s classroom. The main prize was a £10 voucher to spend at their House tuck shop, with other winners awarded Easter Eggs as prizes.
Special thanks to the matrons of Lower School, Orchard and Welsh House for their assistance on the evening with the food and to Barney and Emma for organising the bingo. As ever, this was a lively and happy event enjoyed by all’
