MEMBERS of The Association of Ross Traders (A.R.T.) and Ross in Bloom have received nothing but positive feedback about the revived pancake day races last week. These last took place in Ross in 1981. Over 300 people lined the top end of Broad Street and Market Place to watch and cheer on the runners.

After the costs of closing the road and having St John Ambulance on call, well over £250 was raised for the Mayor's chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

A.R.T. and Ross in Bloom thank all those who gave freely of their time and resources to make this event so successful including ID2 Design for the poster design, William Bevan for the printing, Brandon Tool Hire for the use of traffic cones and tape, Ray Hill for the use of the excellent PA system and Hayley from Truffles who made all the pancakes. The enthusiastic and entertaining MC on the day was Ben Abbott who kept the crowds entertained and ran an excellent live commentary of each race.

Next year's race day is planned for Tuesday, March 8th (Shrove Tuesday) and the races will take place in the late afternoon to allow school children to participate as the schools will have returned after the Half Term holiday.

Winners of the races:

The Traders' Individual Uphill Challenge - Richard from Truffles Delicatessen

The Toddle for Under 5s - Toby Davies

The Ladies' Individual Trip and Stumble - Annie from Peter Hickman

The Nimble Dash for 5 - 10 year olds - George Nicholson

The Men's Individual Stagger and Groan - Craig Kelly

The Athletic Sprint for 11-16 year olds - Sam Marx

The Traders' 4x4 Steady as You Go Relay - Trivett Hicks

All the adult race winners were presented with vouchers donated by various Ross traders and the children were presented with special Easter eggs. The best dressed adult apron (sponsored by Essential Sewing) was won by Jenny Smyth.

Readers could win a voucher for Crows Feet, David Christopher or Designer Flowers by answering the following questions:

Which fruit is traditionally squeezed over a pancake?

What is the name of the day pancake races traditionally take place?

Which year before this year did the last pancake race in Ross take place?

Send your answers to The Ross Gazette at 54A Broad Street, Ross, HR9 7DY. The first three correct answers drawn on Wednesday, March 3rd will win a voucher each.

If anyone has any pictures of this event or any future events in Ross-on-Wye please send them into [email protected]">[email protected].