Wimborne Minster Pancake Race

2025

"Shrove Tuesday started off with a frost and then the sun came out to make it a perfect morning for the Annual Pancake Race around the Minster Church in Wimborne. After four years of the event having to take place within the Minster due to the weather conditions prevailing, it was good to be able to hold the event outside" said, Anthony Oliver, who co-ordinates the event with a small group of helpers.

As the hour of 11 o’clock approached the whole area was buzzing and the large crowd of onlookers standing on the Minster Green were all ready to cheer on their friends and relations who were about to take part.

There were classes for everyone and the Toddlers were first off as the Pancake Bell was tolled. After three heats and the final Edith Crabb was declared the winner and she received a prize of £5.00.

Next up were four runners from Wimborne First School and the winner was Angus Craig who won £20.00 for his school kindly donated by Jeremy from Hearnes.

Middle Schools were next and after three heats and a final the winner was Ryan Tope from St Michaels Middle School who received £20.00 for his School kindly donated by Dan from the Card Gallery.

The final of the Schools section included participants from Beacroft Foundation School and Innovate Dorset with the winner being Will Parrish who received £20.00 kindly donated by Maurice from Piccolo Mondo.

Wheelchair Races followed with entries from Streets Meadow, Hyacinth House, Aldbury Care Home and two who are looked after at home. Strong competition here as there was throughout the races and the winner was Christopher Rolfe pushed by Daniel Bennett and they won a large sack of Wild Bird Food kindly donated by the Wimborne Pet Centre.

Finally it was the Adults turn and there were 23 competitors from individuals including the Head Teachers of Wimborne First School and St Michaels Middle School, the Rector, the Parish Secretary, Representatives from the Village Churches within the Wimborne Minster Benefice to Staff from local businesses. After a number of heats and a final the winner and thus the Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2025 was Daniel Bennett. He received a prize of a Storage container decorated with bees from the Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazine News Editor Marilyn Barber which he retains and the John Loader Memorial Trophy from Kathy and Martyn Curtler which he holds for a year.

Richard Skinner, Head Teacher Wimborne First School leads the first of the Adult Heats which he won...the Rector comes in behind.

The Town Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart and the Mayoress Mrs Barbara Hart were present along with Town Crier Chris Brown and his Deputy Mel Gudger. They started off all the races and the Mayor presented the prizes. Claire Lehmann the Minsters Families worker set up refreshment tables in the rear of the Minster and was busy throughout the morning.

The winner receives his Prizes (from the left) The Mayoress, (partly shown), Town Crier, Kathy Curtler, Martyn Curtler, Marilyn Barber, Anthony Oliver, The Mayor, Daniel Bennett, The Rector, The Revd Canon Andrew Rowland and the Deputy Town Crier.

Anthony Oliver, on behalf of the organising Team repeated afterwards, “that it was great to at last be holding the races outside again after four years inside. He thanked his Organising Team and all those who helped in any way including the Mayor, the Town Crier and his Deputy, those who donated the monetary prizes for the school winners, the Wimborne Pet Centre, those manning the Registration Tables, the Stewards, those Collecting, Ringing the Pancake Bell and setting up the PA Equipment and manning the First Aid in case of need for all their support of this community event which attracts so much interest. A collection taken for Minster Funds raised £227.39 and we hope that the fine weather will be with us again next year when the date will be Tuesday 17th February 2026.