THE annual Pancake Race across the Town Bridge has been a popular fixture in Bradford on Avon for many years but this year some entrants took it more slowly than others.

Usually the entrants race to be the first across the finish line on the Town Bridge but this year local climate activists tried their hardest to come last.

“Racing is great fun, and we learn from a young age to try and be first”, said Louise Weissel, who was one of six climate activists who took part in the traditional race.

“But the message we want to send out is that we should, for the sake of our planet and our own health, slow down.

“Our desire for things to happen at speed is creating a world of stress, unhappiness, and mental and physical ill health. 

“It’s also an environmental message:  We’ve built up an expectation of everything being ‘on demand’ – whether it be a film you want to download, a next-day Amazon delivery, or fast food – and everyone wants to get from A-to-B in a hurry.

“People often take a flight because they don’t want to spend time on a train or coach.  And it’s normal to drive slightly at or above the speed limit – not below it. All of that consumes more fossil fuels than if we were more patient.

“Yesterday’s IPCC report confirmed that we are facing a huge climactic catastrophe.  Rushing around is not just unhealthy for us, it's devastating for the planet.”

She added: “Next month is stress awareness month: stress is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, but no-one really talks about it. 

“We want to show that by doing things, like flipping pancakes, mindfully, we can become calmer, more focused and feel more in control of life.  Being slow is actually good for you.”

Jeremy Wire, from Wiltshire Climate Alliance, said:” You can't usually make pancakes without breaking some eggs, and to make life more liveable we're going to have to break the mould.

“We’ve got to change our behaviour, and government has to step up and make the slow healthy choices the easier and cheaper ones.”

By dressing as bees, Extinction Rebellion Activists highlighted the destructive effect that modern society is having on insects.

“In the past 10 years, a third of the bees in the UK have disappeared”, said Mel Clarke.

“Pollinators are being wiped out because the government is allowing bee-killing pesticides to be used, which are banned in the EU.  Bees are the pollinators for our food!  By sticking to business as usual, we are racing to our own extinction.”

The Activists hope that by participating and coming last, they will raise awareness of the benefits to people and the planet, of taking life more slowly.

This year's race was the first to be held since 2019 after the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s winner was Tim Jeary, of Bowline Communications, who received his first prize award from Bradford on Avon mayor Cllr Sarah Gibson.

Just before 11am, representatives from Bradford on Avon businesses gathered to compete for glory in the annual Pancake Race. 

This Is Wiltshire: Bradford on Avon Mayor Cllr Sarah Gibson with pancake race runnersBradford on Avon Mayor Cllr Sarah Gibson with pancake race runners

The Town Bridge was shut for five minutes from 11am, and saw 11 runners safely sprint up and down while flipping their pancakes in the air. 

Dozens of residents lined the pavement to watch the fancy-dressed competitors battle it out for a spot on the council's coveted frying pan trophy. Runners were disqualified if their pancakes fell on the floor.

Posh Crepes also provided delicious pancakes to spectators, racers and anyone working behind the scenes. 

Bradford on Avon Town Mayor, Cllr Sarah Gibson was delighted to see the race return this year.

She said: “The Pancake Race was well attended and there was fierce competition between the businesses in the town. 

“There was not too much cheating from our pancake flippers and it was nice to see a new competitor win. Congratulations to Tim Jeary from Bowline.” 

Mr Jeary said: “It’s a massive surprise to have won. I was looking at the line of competitors and their frying pans and was really not thinking that I’d be able to toss mine three times quickly enough. 

“But surprisingly, I won and I’m feeling really chuffed. It’s good fun and a good thing to do on a Shrove Tuesday.” 

His name will now be forever engraved on the ceremonial frying pan trophy.

Participants pay to enter, and the funds raised go towards the town’s annual Christmas Lights display.