Report by Marilyn Barber

For only the fourth time since the event was revived in 1998 the pancake race had to take place inside the Minster as it was deemed that the flagstones outside were too slippery after the early morning fine drizzle.

There were over 100 competitors including 27 adults, with the rector The Rev Canon Andrew Rowland and the curate The Rev Nick Wells running in their robes.

Pupils from Castle Court, Wimborne First, Dumpton and St Michael’s schools as well as toddlers, and people in wheelchairs from Streets Meadow all joined in the fun. Winner of the adult race was postman Matthew James. He received a prize of a pizza plate and cutter from Viewpoint/Dorset View magazines and the John Loader Memorial Cup from Kathy and Martyn Curtler. Craig Kellaway was in second place and Connor-Lee Morgan in third.

The Mayor Cllr Carol Butter was present as was the town crier Chris Brown, and his deputy Mel Gudger who started off all the races. Number 9 On the

Green in Cook Row provided pancakes to be purchased both before and after the races and also assisted with the sponsorship of the schools races.

A collection taken for Minster Funds raised £174.58.

All the participants received a special certificate prepared by Claire Lehmann, the Minster’s families worker.

Anthony Oliver who along with a small team organised the annual race said: “We had an enjoyable morning and there were a lot of smiling faces.”