Thursday 14 February 2013

IT’S THE TAKING PART THAT COUNTS!

MAYORS SALVER CHALLENGE RACE 12 FEBRUARY 2013
Devizes Market Place was busier than usual yesterday lunch time as happy onlookers eating warm pancakes provided by The Black Swan Hotel, cheered on the teams that entered the Devizes Pancake Races. This fun event is held annually on Pancake Day and is organised by Age UK Wiltshire.

The majority of races were entered by local schools, as well as local businesses, including ABD team Catherine Cole, Tom Paget, Sharon Hayward and Simon Lofthouse. This was going to be a difficult event as ABD were last year’s winners and were keen to hold onto the first prize Silver Salver...

The Mayors Salver Challenge Race
The weather wasn’t exactly warm in the month of February but soon “heated up” when Catherine Cole sprinted as fast as she could whilst tossing her pancake in the air!  The relay race had begun!  It was a tough race against the other teams who had also entered in the first heat, but ABD managed to win. This meant that they had got through to the final!

The final – when the going gets tough the tough get going!
Wilkinsons and Age UK Wiltshire had also made it through to the final as well as ABD.  This race was definitely going to be a tough one if ABD were to keep hold of the Silver Salver...

Ready, steady, GO...

Catherine ran as fast as she could again whilst tossing the pancake in the air as onlookers cheered and watched in amazement. Unfortunately as she hurriedly tossed the pancake – disaster – it fell to the floor!  After a speedy recovery, Catherine handed over to Sharon who sprinted faster than ever to make up for any lost time. Luckily, it was a smooth handover to Tom who whilst anxiously waiting knew time was of the essence.  Another smooth run and the pancake safely tossed until Tom handed over to Simon when disaster struck again! During the final handover Tom and Simon dropped the frying pan. However, this didn’t stop Simon who was determined to win making every effort to reach the finishing line before Wilkinsons.  It was touch and go as Simon fought back but unfortunately was pipped to the post. ABD were unable to regain their winning title but managed a valiant second place. It was a fun race! Watch out though ABD will be back again next year to try and win!

Team spirit
As well as ABD team taking part, other businesses took part including ; Wilkinsons, The Black Swan Hotel, Age UK Wiltshire, Curves of Devizes, Community First and more.

It’s the taking part that counts
Well done team for taking part and supporting a very worthwhile community cause.  Good donations were made to Age UK Wiltshire including a donation of £100 from Awdry Bailey and Douglas.  All profits from this event go to Age UK Wiltshire to fund their work with older people.


ABD team; Tom Paget, Sharon Hayward, Catherine Cole and Simon Lofthouse.
“A valiant second place!” Simon collects the wooden spoon on behalf of ABD team from Allison Davis and Elliott Potter of age UK Wiltshire.

More Information on this popular event?
BBC iplayer Points West Catch Up