I thought that some of you might find this entertaining.
The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships return to Ramsbottom on Sunday
06:00, 7 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY PAUL BRITTON
In a nod to War of the Roses legends, competitors will vie to knock stacks of Yorkshires from a 20ft-high plinth using black puddings\n
Gary LouthCompetitors in last year's eventWorld Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom
A wacky - and messy - tradition makes a welcome return next week.
Competitors are limbering up for the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, which take place in Ramsbottom, near Bury, next Sunday.
Everyone is invited to go for glory and organisers are keeping their fingers crossed for a record crowd.
Those taking part will vie to knock stacks of Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft-high plinth using black puddings. Whoever dislodges the most is the winner.
With much tongue-in-cheek pomp and ceremony, the famed ‘golden grid’ - the square pudding throwers stand on to take their shots - will be escorted into Ramsbottom by Girl Guides off a steam train from the East Lancashire Railway in Bury.
Pudding throwing will start outside the The Oaks pub on Bridge Street from 11am, followed by the Pudstock music festival.
According to legend pudding throwing dates back to 1455, when warring factions of the houses of Lancaster and York met for battle in Stubbins.
Phil TaylorCompetitors in last year's eventCompetitors in last year's event
Troops depleted in ammunition resorted to throwing food at each other – black puddings from Lancashire and Yorkshire puds from Yorkshire.
Last year the world-renowned contest was won by 63-year-old engineer John Barrett, from Littleborough, Rochdale, who made it a family affair by claiming the title from his son-in-law Huseyin Ozluk - who won the competition in 2013.
John knocked 10 Yorkshires from the platform before winning a dramatic play-off after tying with one other competitor.
The Oaks landlady Maggie Gold said: “My family only took over the Oaks back in May so we’ve been learning about the history of the event. It’s a great event to bring the community together, all the locals and businesses get involved.”
The event will also feature stalls and a a fairground for children. Live bands performing at the pub including Raggedy Roosters, Ukepunk, Celtic Brew, Retrospect and others.
Organiser Phil Taylor said: “It should be good fun, as it always is. There is a mystery guest, but I cannot say anymore than that.
“We are hoping for record crowds.”
Invitations last year were sent to a number of celebrities, famous faces and members of the Royal Family. Organisers displayed official apology letters from the likes of David Cameron and Prince Charles, expressing their regret that they couldn’t attend or take part.
The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships return to Ramsbottom on Sunday
06:00, 7 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY PAUL BRITTON
In a nod to War of the Roses legends, competitors will vie to knock stacks of Yorkshires from a 20ft-high plinth using black puddings\n
Gary LouthCompetitors in last year's eventWorld Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom
A wacky - and messy - tradition makes a welcome return next week.
Competitors are limbering up for the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, which take place in Ramsbottom, near Bury, next Sunday.
Everyone is invited to go for glory and organisers are keeping their fingers crossed for a record crowd.
Those taking part will vie to knock stacks of Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft-high plinth using black puddings. Whoever dislodges the most is the winner.
With much tongue-in-cheek pomp and ceremony, the famed ‘golden grid’ - the square pudding throwers stand on to take their shots - will be escorted into Ramsbottom by Girl Guides off a steam train from the East Lancashire Railway in Bury.
Pudding throwing will start outside the The Oaks pub on Bridge Street from 11am, followed by the Pudstock music festival.
According to legend pudding throwing dates back to 1455, when warring factions of the houses of Lancaster and York met for battle in Stubbins.
Phil TaylorCompetitors in last year's eventCompetitors in last year's event
Troops depleted in ammunition resorted to throwing food at each other – black puddings from Lancashire and Yorkshire puds from Yorkshire.
Last year the world-renowned contest was won by 63-year-old engineer John Barrett, from Littleborough, Rochdale, who made it a family affair by claiming the title from his son-in-law Huseyin Ozluk - who won the competition in 2013.
John knocked 10 Yorkshires from the platform before winning a dramatic play-off after tying with one other competitor.
The Oaks landlady Maggie Gold said: “My family only took over the Oaks back in May so we’ve been learning about the history of the event. It’s a great event to bring the community together, all the locals and businesses get involved.”
The event will also feature stalls and a a fairground for children. Live bands performing at the pub including Raggedy Roosters, Ukepunk, Celtic Brew, Retrospect and others.
Organiser Phil Taylor said: “It should be good fun, as it always is. There is a mystery guest, but I cannot say anymore than that.
“We are hoping for record crowds.”
Invitations last year were sent to a number of celebrities, famous faces and members of the Royal Family. Organisers displayed official apology letters from the likes of David Cameron and Prince Charles, expressing their regret that they couldn’t attend or take part.
