Sidmouth to hold Rotary pancake races for third year in a row

THERE will be no love lost in Sidmouth on Valentine’s Day between rivals competing in the town’s third annual Pancake Races.

Organisers, Sid Valley Rotary Club, have picked February 14 for the contest, but the date is unlikely to soften the keen rivalry between teams from local businesses and organisations in an effort to be this year’s Top Tossers.

Several teams have already entered, but Rotarians are inviting teams of four from businesses, clubs or just friends to come and compete.

The races are run as a relay, with each team member in turn running the course while tossing their pancake.

Top Tossers for the last two years, in hard fought contests, has been the team from Dukes and the question is ‘Who will beat them?’

Once again competition will be keen, but if you fancy your chances, or just want to have some fun, then get cracking and put a team together.

The races are popular with competitors and spectators alike and raise money for Rotary’s international campaign, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, to finally eliminate polio from the world. This charity will again benefit from this year’s races.

The races will again be held in Old Fore Street by the Anchor Inn, between 1-2 pm February 14.

After their successful introduction last year, Rotarians are again organising races for teams of younger people and these will be held between 12.30pm to 1pm before the adult races.

Sid Valley Rotarian Dr John Rees said: “Last year we organised races for younger people that proved very popular with competitors and spectators.

“We invite all youngsters who wish to compete to enter a team with friends. Although entry forms are supposed to be in by the Friday before the races, we will try our best to fit in any young people who turn up on the day with their frying pan.”

Call John on (01395) 579579 or email him at johnrees201@btinternet.com by Friday, February 10 to submit entries.

The Rotary Club can only accept a limited number of teams, so don’t delay in making your entry. If you can’t compete, spend an entertaining hour watching the races.