1 month 'till the Pancake Race!

The countdown is on to one of the biggest and best events of the Olney calendar; the Olney pancake race. Each year it attracts hundreds of spectators, as well as participants, and this year, with pancake day falling in half term, the number of spectators is sure to be bigger than ever.

Each year on Shrove Tuesday, the ladies of Olney pick up their frying pans and aprons and race down the High Street, tossing a pancake as they go. Tradition states that the first race was run back in 1445, and then revived again in 1948. The story that a flustered housewife heard the church bells and realised she was late for the service, so ran from her house with her frying pan and pancake still in her hand, is supposedly how the race began, and so today the ladies race on the chime of the Shriving bell from the church at exactly 11.55am.

It's always great fun for all, with the children's races starting off the event with a number of pancake races, from the little ones up to secondary school aged children, set off by the special guests of the event. TV chef Lesley Waters will be on hand in the Market Place doing some cooking demonstrations and being on hand to mingle with the crowds and answer any food or cooking questions you might have.

Last year the race was live on itv's daybreak, but if you've somehow missed the pancake race up until now, why not make this the year you experience it for the first time. It's even an international event, which links with the pancake race in Liberal, USA, the winner with the best time between the two will be crowned the International Pancake Race winner of 2015.

The pancake race is a great event for the town, which really brings people together and gives a chance to celebrate a day which often just gets passed by.

Tuesday events in MK

We've got quite a few events to send your way for tomorrow, it almost feels like the weekend has come early!...

Newport Pagnell Historical Society walk around Woburn Sands, 6.45pm
Meet at the free car park beside the Greens Hotel, Woburn Sands (off Russell Street) at 6.45pm for a 7pm start, or if you need a lift, meet at Bury field car park, Newport Pagnell at 6.15pm. A walk around the beautiful Woburn Sands led by Paul Cox, costs £2 per person.

Olney & District Historical Society @ The Olney Centre, main hall, 7.30pm
A talk by Jeremy Sruehmeyer, professional family tree researcher, entitled: "Starting your Family Tree and where it could lead you". Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month by the Olney & District Historical Society, and membership fees cost £5 plus £1 per meeting. If you would like to visit then it will cost you £2 per meeting. Refreshments are included.

Dodgy Acoustic, supported by Ian Roberts, live @ The Stables, 8.45pm
This acoustic show features the first performances of new songs written for Dodgy's forthcoming album, to be released on Cherry Red Records in the summer, as well as some of their better known tracks. Having started to make a name for themselves on the music scene back in 1989, Dodgy have had numerous successes, including 12 Top 40 singles, and after a brief break, are back together and released their latest album in February 2012. They have created the opportunity at their shows for local musicians to support, featuring five slots of two songs each to showcase local talent. Tomorrow will see Olney's very own Ian Robert's taking to the stage, showcasing some of his songs.

What's on Saturday 17th May in Milton Keynes

It's the weekend!!... So what's on out and around the Milton Keynes area for you to get involved in? (lots, is the answer!)...

• Friends of St. Lawrence in Broughton are holding a talk on 'Medieval villages of Milton Keynes'. An interesting talk from Helen Jones for all those of you interested in history and maybe wondering what Milton Keynes was like back in the day before it was a city. Followed by tea and cake, tickets are just £8. The event will be held at St. Lawrence church in Broughton, starting at 3pm.
• Over at Yardley Hastings Memorial Hall from 7.30pm (starting at 8pm), there's a cheese and wine evening, including music and dancing to the Gary Wood Swing Band. Tickets are £15 which includes a bottle of wine and a cheese board. Other than that please bring your own drinks and glasses. All proceeds to the Poppy Appeal.
• Olney's community choir are singing at Cowper memorial United Reformed Church, High Street, Olney. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets cost £5 with all proceeds going to Advantage Africa. 
• Age UK are holding a family fun day at Age UK Milton Keynes, The Peartree Centre. 11am-5pm. The event will including stilt walking, Samba band, crafts, pizza cook-off, face painting, raffles, refreshments and a plant sale. All proceeds to Age UK Milton Keynes and Festive Road.
• The Cowper and Newton Museum at night: Come and see the museum at night! From 6.30pm-8.30pm, entry is £6, which includes wine and entertainment. Visit the museum and lamp-lit garden to raise money for the summer house. Follow a lantern-lit pathway through the gardens, via a gate to William Cowper's Summer House 'secured for the nation.' Inside the museum with a glass of wine, listen to music and learn more about the summer house's history from a talk by Lisa Gee. 
• MK Cat's protection annual spring fayre is on from 11am-2pm and is being held at the United Reformed Church, High Street, Newport Pagnell.

There's much more on other than this, and if the weather's nice a walk around one of Milton Keynes' many parks, lakes or woodland areas is an easy and enjoyable option for a sunny Saturday afternoon! Enjoy yourself this weekend!