By Community Correspondent Ruba Ameen

January 1st, and the world is once again overcome by the miraculous rebirth of the typical post-new year expression, as ‘a new year, a new you’ begins to perch on the tip of every tongue. Though somewhat lacking in creativity, it revels in being the equivalent of a devoted companion to companies relishing in the work of re-instating society’s self esteem.

For the sake of argument, I present this scenario. It’s a new year. And time for a new you. You have a new resolution: ‘more exercise, increase fitness level. Will make me feel good and define the muscles I never thought I had’ etc. A run is in order. In preparation, you ensure that you have the correct equipment before embarking: trainers, sports-wear, perhaps a musical device. Oh, and don’t forget your pancake.

A confusing interjection, but necessary at this time of year, to ensure your participation in London’s annual Pancake Day Race. One of my new personal discoveries, it is top on the list of close-to-home traditions that are not to be missed. Today’s social obsession with health and fitness, and the media’s indulgence in emissions that have brought a new and considerably more positive meaning to the term ‘The Biggest Loser’ show how it is of the new fashion to remain health-aware.

What better way than to incorporate a century-old tradition, annual festival and general amusement in a bid to get fit. In Olney, Pancake Day Racing dates back over 500 years, during which certain modifications have been developed.

To include as wide a representation of society as possible, there exists a particular version of Pancake Day racing, where Members of Parliament compete with the press in their very own adaptation of this age-old practice.

And so it is the annual Pancake Day Race that momentarily injects some comedy into one of this society’s fiercest rivalries. In other words, it is an admirable quick test of fitness retaining a sense of fun and entertainment. Sadly, we must wait another full year for another chance to celebrate Shrove Tuesday in such an imaginative, innovative, and, unmistakably, healthy way.