Councillor Michael Lilley – who initiated the Ryde annual pancake challenge in 2016 to raise awareness of food and child poverty – is still tossing in 2025.
Pancake Day is on Tuesday 4th March, and Michael is hosting 2 events to kick-start 2 weeks of fundraising and raising awareness. He will also present a motion on child and food poverty at the Isle of Wight Council Full Council meeting on 19th March 2025.
Over 10 years, more than £16,000 has been raised and the target in 2025 is £1,500 to go to Oakfield Community Pantry and Ryde/Isle of Wight FoodBank.
This year, Michael has teamed up with Oakfield CofE Primary School in its campaign to save Oakfield School from closure, as the school is a vital community hub for the Ryde South/East area. It hosts Oakfield Community Pantry, which is a lifeline to over 600 local residents.
The Pancake Day challenge starts at 10:00 at Pickle and Dill, with chef Bob Wright defending his title as champion flipper (all challengers welcome), and from 11:30, there is pancake making, races and flipping competitions.
Winners and contestants will be presented prizes by the Mayor of Ryde, Councillor Richard May, and High Sheriff Graham Biss, at 13:00.
High-heeled veteran campaigner, Peter May, will be setting off at 10:45 on a pancake flipping walk via Appley Tower and ending up at Oakfield School.
The event is sponsored by Grace’s Bakery, Ryde Community Development Trust and Ryde District Rotary.
Michael says:
“Child and food poverty on the Isle of Wight and in Ryde is increasing, and I always said that until it reduces significantly, I will continue with my annual campaign and shout out this issue.
“It is sad that this 10th year coincides with the threatened closure of an important school that supports so many families experiencing poverty every day. Oakfield’s Community Pantry and Ryde Food Bank are based in my Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward and that tells you so much about the poverty in the Ryde South/East area.
“We need to stand up and standby our neighbours who are having hard times and make sure child and food poverty in the 21st Century is tackled as it is totally unacceptable.”
Peter May, Veteran Campaigner of the To Be In Her Shoes Charity Walk states:
“It’s a great pleasure to be involved in the 10th Ryde Big Pancake Day.
“It’s my 3rd year helping Cllr Michael Lilley fighting food poverty in and around Ryde; we always have a great time but raise valuable funds and awareness whilst doing so. At the same time, I’m always taking the opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse and help that’s out there for victims and survivors.
“This year, we are also supporting the desperate need to save Oakfield Primary school from closure that also houses the community pantry. Together, we are always stronger.”
Disgusting that in 2025 food poverty still exists
in Britain.
It is time for the Government to address this issue,
they find money for overseas projects.
Think Britain first.