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The 2006 event
Following
a month of ‘above average rainfall’ Cooper’s Hill awoke on Monday
29th May to a beautiful sunny morning
….. but would it last?
Members
of the committee spent two week-ends clearing nettles and ‘scrub’
from the face of the hill where the world famous cheese rolling would be
taking place, to make it safer for the event.
Safety
fences were in place, the communications office (a cattle truck!) was
set up,
a press compound (straw bales!) was ready and the day was set to begin.
People
started to ‘trickle’ up the lanes from Brockworth at about 9.30,
press and television crews arrived and took up their positions and cars
slid into place in the car-park (cattle field).
Fortunately,
most people came prepared for wet weather.
Just as the first cheese was rolled, down came the rain!
But nothing would dampen the enthusiasm of the competitors as they ran,
tumbled and slid down the hill after the cheese.
The
showers, that seemed to time themselves for each race, were quite heavy
and there was even hail thrown at us!! In between the showers, the sun
was hot! Umbrellas were up and down all day!
Throughout the spectators remained good humoured, friendly and
enthusiastic in their support for all the competitors.
On
the hill, MUD was the order of the day!
Some
competitors appeared to be flying as they hurled themselves down the
hill
The
variety in the competitors choice of dress was entertaining, some ran
the race barefoot
We had (possible for the first time in the event) a contingent of
"Sumo Wrestlers"
Sliding
was definitely the best – and safest – way to reach the bottom and
fortunately injuries were few.
There were a few minor cuts and grazes, but no serious injuries.
This
year there were 5 down-hill races – including a "Ladies"
Race and also - 4 up-hill races – "Boys under 12",
"Girls under 12", "Ladies" and "Mens"
SARAID are seen here helping one of the younger enthusiasts to reach his
goal!
Stephen Gyde (record holder of 21
cheeses between 1978 - 1991)
.jpg)
ran in the first race but in spite of his valiant, sure footed efforts
was un-placed this year.
Below we see Joshua Kaye (photo by
Malcolm Hopkins)
contemplating the cheese and considering his race in 2020 maybe?
The
crowds were smaller than last year, possibly only 2,500 – 3,000, but
the atmosphere was exciting and happy.
It
was good to hear Ken Goodwin's report, on Central Television News,
describing the 'meticulous' planning, that goes into the event, and the
'good nature' of everyone who was present.
Refreshments
were available and welcome to those braving the muddy conditions.
There
was a new security company providing the marshals this year –
‘Jedi’.
St.
John Ambulance and SARAID (Search And Rescue Aid In Disaster) were also
there to help casualties.
We
are extremely grateful to them all for their assistance.
After
the crowds had streamed away from the
hill,
some to be towed out of the car-park, the committee members set to work
once more to clear the hill of fences and rubbish
– eventually arriving home at about 4 o’clock for their lunch!
Our
grateful thanks go to all those spectators and competitors who took
their rubbish home with them!
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