CARE homes across Dorset had a flipping good time celebrating Shrove Tuesday.
Staff and residents at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown were among those taking part in pancake races and learning about the origins of the annual celebration.
Margaret Collins shared childhood memories of flipping pancakes in the garden with her dad, Fred.
She said: “He insisted on flipping them outside, whatever the weather, to avoid any landing on the carpet indoors.”
Companion Team leader Maddee Baker added: “Margaret’s recollection brought lots of smiles as we imagined those chilly but cheerful afternoons.
“Earlier, we looked at the history of Shrove Tuesday, discovering why pancakes were traditionally made to use up rich ingredients before the start of Lent.
“We had a pancake race in the garden and the flipping continued indoors. There were more than a few pancakes making unexpected landings on the floor, much to everyone’s amusement.
“To finish our celebrations, we treated ourselves to a pancake station where residents could choose their favourite toppings. Lemon and sugar proved to be the most popular choice.”
At Abbey View in Sherborne, eight members of the home’s breakfast club were treated to a demonstration of the art of pancake flipping by chef Emanuel Azevedo.
Among those giving it a try for themselves was Sheila Yates who said afterwards: “That was the best breakfast I have ever had.”
There were also Pancake Day celebrations at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford and Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.
Team members at Newstone House combined the pancake theme with a sponsored pyjama day in aid of children’s cancer charity the Little Princess Trust.