Pancakes all for a flippin’ good cause

Even Lt-Governor Richard Cripwell got involved in pancake flipping as the Cheshire Home hosted its Shrove Tuesday event at the Town Church.

Chefs from the OGH and Les Rocquettes hotels were on hand to cook up a variety of crepes, with flavours such as caramel and banana, berry compote and apple, and there was also a separate savoury stall running.

Sausage rolls and cakes were also available, and those visiting with children were able to sample some entertainment in the form of arts and crafts.

Cheshire Home chairman Rob Shepherd was pleased to see a good turnout for the event, which has been held in Town Church for more than a decade.

‘It’s great to have some of our residents here today as well,’ he said.

‘We don’t like to focus on what they aren’t able to do, but rather what is still possible for them, and we want to facilitate as much of a normal life for them as we can.’

Lt General Cripwell was invited to attend by the Cheshire Home when he visited the home at Christmas time last year.

‘The care and quality of life that they offer their residents is remarkable, and because it costs about £1m. to run each year, every donation made is so important,’ he said.

He opted to try the old favourite of a lemon and sugar pancake, and he thought his flip had been a success.

‘The chefs were well-prepared and set it up perfectly for me,’ he said.

Cheshire Home resident Colin Elliston said he had tried one lemon and sugar pancake, and was pleased to save some sausage rolls for later.

‘It’s certainly a nice change to go to something like this,’ he added.

Fellow resident Jean Ceillam had also tried a lemon and sugar pancake, and appreciated the friendliness of those she had met.

‘It’s been nice to meet everybody,’ she said.

OGH chef Tania Maslamoney was responsible for operating the savoury pancake stall, where visitors could enjoy a crepe filled with ham, cheddar cheese, feta cheese and tomatoes.

‘I was chosen to do it.

‘It’s my first time doing this event, so I’m excited,’ she said.

Cheshire Home administrator Karen Le Page was delighted that the event had raised £1,250 for the charity.

‘We actually ran out of batter so had to get some more, and all the cakes and sausage rolls got eaten too,’ she said.

Mrs Le Page added that a steady stream of people had attended the event throughout the day.

‘Most of the cutlery got used up, so I think it got fairly busy,’ she said.