Prefects and Chapel Wardens went head to head yesterday for the annual Shiplake Pancake Day Race.
Would the Prefects hold onto their crown for another year, or would the Chapel Wardens pip them to the post? After an amazing pancake lunch, courtesy of caterers Thomas Franks, bellies were fired up and ready take on the challenge.
The rules are simple; both teams take part in a head-to-head relay race between the zebra crossing between the John Turner Building and Burr House, and the end of the driveway. Runners must flip their pancakes once before running the length of the course and handing over the pan to the next runner.
Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe fired the starting gun, and the race was on, led by Mr Jones for the Prefects and Rev Briggs for the Chapel Wardens. There was some concern for The Rev before the race, as he was seen hobbling around on a crutch, but as soon as the race started he seemed to have made a miraculous recovery and sprinted down the drive.
The atmosphere was electric with pupils and teachers lining the driveway cheering on the Year 13 runners.
Both teams did exceptionally well but ultimately, the crown remained with the Prefects for another year.
In the evening, Rev Chris Briggs led the pancake supper and bingo evening in the Great Hall. In total 320 pancakes were eaten, four by the Headmaster alone!
Rev Chris Briggs, said: “It was a great turnout with 120 pupils attending and tucking into their pancakes with a choice of maple syrup, chocolate sauce, ice cream and of course the obligatory lemon juice and sugar.
“The bingo was enthusiastically entered into. Many winners shouted ‘house!’ and claimed their prize of a cream egg.
“Regarding the pancake race between the Chapel Wardens and the Prefects, I am sure the wardens would have won had it not been for the geriatric Chaplain losing half a length in the first leg against the Deputy Head, Mr Paul Jones. At least my hamstrings are still in one piece. A miracle.
“A very good day of controlled excess before the disciplines of Lent begin.”
