2 neighbouring councillors in Ryde have gone flipping mad this week, raising money for the Isle of Wight Foodbank in the process.
In 2017, Ryde East Councillor Michael Lilley established an annual pancake flipping contest to raise awareness about poverty on the Island and to raise funds for Isle of Wight Foodbank and the Church Urban Fund campaign against poverty.
The second instalment of the challenge, held at Grace Church on Tuesday, saw a new development. This year, Michael aimed to not only beat his record but to also challenge fellow councillor Wayne Whittle to a contest.
The challenge was to flip as many pancakes in 5 minutes. Cllr Lilley beat his 2017 record of 87 by flipping 254 pancakes, but Cllr Whittle completed an amazing 330 flips to set the 2018 record.
Michael has said:
“This year I wanted to add a bit of spice and get other Isle of Wight Councillors to become more aware of the issue of poverty on the Island, get them to sponsor me, and to be involved. Wayne took up the challenge and over 20 Councillors sponsored the event along with many other residents.
“Wayne and I have with our Ryde Wards some of the highest deprivation and poverty on the Island and I thank Wayne, for taking up my invitation and making it a fun event with a serious message.”
Speaking after the event Wayne said:
“I was delighted to join Michael and highlight the important work of the IW Food Bank and to win was the icing on the cake. It is harder than you think but years of flipping burgers in my cafes and my family history in the circus world, gave me an advantage. I look forward to the rematch and defending my record in 2019.”
Hannah King, Foodbank Manager, said:
“Well done to both Cllr Lilley and Cllr Whittle for their sterling efforts and congratulations to Cllr Whittle for his amazing achievement. We are extremely grateful for their support in helping to support people in crisis on the Island.”
