Wimborne | Posted on February 20th, 2026 | return to news

Huge crowds for Wimborne Minster Pancake Race

On one of the few sunny days this month, the annual event, sponsored by Dorset View Magazines, attracted big crowds and numerous entries.

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

The Wimborne Minster Pancake Race was held on a sunny Shrove Tuesday and saw more than 130 runners compete in 34 races.

First up were the toddlers’ races and Joshua Dawson was declared the winner, receiving a prize of £5.
In the wheelchair race, Christopher Rolfe, pushed by Stephen from Streets Meadow, was declared the winner for the second year running. He won a large sack of wild bird food donated by Wimborne Pet Centre.

There were 47 runners in the First School Age Group, with winner Rex Tarbard receiving £20 donated by Dan from the Card Gallery.

In the Middle School Age Group, Thomas Ward was declared the winner, receiving £20 donated by Maurice from Piccolo Mondo.

Hollie Sawyer won in the Upper School Age Group, receiving £20 from Bonne Maman.

There were 31 runners in the adult section, including a team from the Minster comprising the rector, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland; the curate, the Rev Marianne Mangham; the wife of the organist, Heather Davey; and the facilities manager, Martin Smith.

After several heats and a final, the winner, becoming Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2026, was Stuart Faulkner from Oxford, who was staying in the town. He received the John Loader Memorial Trophy from Kathy and Martyn Curtler, which he holds for a year, as well as a colourful kitchen worktop saver and a decorated jug from Dorset View Magazine, presented by news editor Marilyn Barber.