‘Electric’ atmosphere as hundreds pound Beaulieu High Street for week-late Shrove Tuesday pancake races

THE sight of old children’s favourite Andy Pandy dashing along the High Street was one of the highlights of Beaulieu’s annual pancake races.

Hundreds of youngsters and adults competed with frying pans held aloft in the event this week, hailed a great success by Jan Hoy, who was honoured for having organised it for 20 years.

The races were postponed to the week after Shrove Tuesday to allow the village primary school’s pupils to take part as usual.

Crowds lined the street on both sides as the 118 youngsters from reception to 11-year-olds were joined by at least 100 more grown-ups.

Lady Alisa Montagu officially opened the event before commentating on all races.

“The atmosphere was electric,” Jan told the A&T.

“There were cheers and shrieks from the children, and from the adults egging them on.

“It’s always a huge success – it’s wonderful to see all the children taking part. They’re very competitive, but not nearly as competitive as the adult teams!”

Following wet conditions for the previous week’s Brockenhurst races, Beaulieu’s participants were lucky the rain stopped at around 12.30pm.

“We would have had to postpone if the weather had been like it was on actual Shrove Tuesday, as it would just have been too dangerous,” Jan said.

More than 100 pancakes were, as ever, supplied by chef Jane Bell from estate caterers the Brabazon restaurant, with further piles from the Montagu Arms and Master Builders hotels.

Community choir the Beaulieu Warblers triumphed as overall adult winners, dressed as colourful characters including Andy Pandy.

There were six teams from the Montagu Arms, as well as entrants from Buckler’s Hard-based Master Builders.

For the first time, there were two teams from the National Motor Museum’s John Montagu Building – Magical Marketeers and Interesting IT.

Villager Paul Hutchins claimed the individual Golden Frying Pan award for best pancake tosser.

Pupils presented Jan with a bouquet of flowers for her two decades of running the event.

“I hope I do another 20 years, although I’m 84 now so I’m not sure that will be possible!” she quipped.

“I started when I retired from the John Montagu Building, where I was village coordinator, and I thought, what can I do now?

“It’s a lovely old-fashioned village event, and long may it continue.”

Attendees enjoyed pancakes and tea in the village hall afterwards.

There was more fun for adults that evening as the Montagu Arms hosted a two-course dinner event, where Ralph Ellis was crowned Monty’s Best Pancake Tosser.