Dear Jamie, i am so glad you enjoyed your walk in the park!
I do hope you try English pancakes, they do not ris like American pancakes, but then again do not taste of rising agents!
This all stems from in the middle ages. The tradition of pancake racing had started long before that. The most famous pancake race,at Olney in Buckinghamshire, has been held since 1445. The contestants, traditionally women, carry a frying pan and race to the finishing line while tossing the pancakes as they go. The winner is the first to cross the line having tossed the pancake a certain number of times. Traditionally, when men want to participate, they must dress up as a housewife (usually an apron and a bandanna).
Originally it was caused by one woman who was cooking pancakes and heard the Church bells ring, in a panic not to be late for Church she ran down the road with a frying pan, tossing her pancake!
The tradition has never changed since then, and is still carried on in towns and villages to this day!
Nowadays people have pancake parties, where people who attend can bring there own toppings and a bottle!
Regards.
Neil.