From The School newsletter:
Long-standing parents of Whitechapel pupils may be wondering about when Pancake Day is, this term. New parents also need to know about this local tradition which we try our best to uphold each year. It’s quite unique to Whitechapel and sometimes falls within the half term holiday. Not so, this year!
For many years, the custom of “Pancaking” continues in Whitechapel with the primary school children calling on all the houses in the district saying, “Please, a pancake”. Oranges, sweets, coins are given in answer to this plea so all the locals need to know of this and have a supply ready.
We think the custom originates from when the children of poor labourers went to the “big house” or houses of the wealthier farmers, asking for pancakes and were sometimes given actual pancakes and other time ingredients/toppings so that their mothers could make them.
This continuing tradition, of course, relies upon our families now, to be able to uphold. School is open, all staff will be here but I am perfectly happy for parents who are able to, to take groups of children along Church Lane to call on our neighbours. I will need to know specifically who will be in school, who will be out and with whom.
Perhaps, you and yours, can be thinking about this now, so that next week we can finalise arrangements. School also needs to inform neighbours. Pauline Clayton (Paul’s mum) usually kindly warns traffic on the road with signs that groups of children will be about. P.C. Banks is usually in attendance, also.
Louise Jones
Headteacher
11am to 5pm
