“Shrove Tuesday was celebrated in the traditional manner at Wylye Valley C of E Primary School, Codford.
Despite the near-freezing temperatures, the entire school from Reception to Year 6, ventured into the playground for a spot of pancake-racing. The children gathered together in their respective team houses (Green Buzzards, Red Kites, Blue Ospreys and Yellow Owls) and readied themselves for a mammoth relay race.
The challenge was, initially, a straightforward dash with pan and pancake – a swift handover to a fellow team member and away. Things stepped up a gear when Amanda Beeden introduced the task of tossing the pancake midway across the course. Some children managed with great skill and dexterity, others were not so successful but (having scooped the pancake back off the ground and into the pan) raced ahead at full speed undeterred. Teachers and teaching assistants joined in the fun too and, even Head Teacher, Rob Barnes, took on the challenge. His efforts were no match for young Molly (Year 2) though, who managed a convincing victory against her much bigger and older rival.
Cheers and laughter rang out across the playground. There were no winners or losers, just an entire school overflowing with wide smiles and rosy cheeks. It was a fantastic event and the day was, rightly, rounded off with a visit from Jane Buckles reminding everyone how this strange, but entertaining, tradition originally came about.”
Sam Horgan, Wylye Valley School
