In recent years the event has taken place annually on Spring Bank Holiday Monday (The Last Monday in May).

An official event did not take place in 2010.

There has been no official announcement regarding 2011 or future years.

Much misguided speculation surrounded the cancellation and rumors abounded in the media and elsewhere about the heavy hand of the Health & Safety Authorities, this was incorrect and far from the truth, the actual reason being that the official event, did not go ahead due to the lack of insurance cover. Difficulties in arranging cover were exacerbated by the wild speculation of the actual numbers (as many as 15000), of people attending the 2009 event! 
(A report published by the Health & Safety Executive discredited this figure and put the figure at a more credible 5000)

Throughout the history of the event, the day and time have changed many times in light of circumstances prevailing at the time, The event itself has changed in character and content, the older traditions of a long day out with many peripheral attractions has diminished to just the main Cheese Rolling Event. Even the last vestiges, of the former event, the scattering of sweets for the children, no longer takes place. Further changes are to be expected in the future which may well change the nature and character of the event again, maybe moving further from it's historic traditions.

But what happens in the days before an event?

Once a decision is made as to whether to run the event, and it's date and time, together with the logistics of staging the event are in place, practical work can then begin on preparations on the site itself.

Volunteers spend two week-ends clearing nettles and ‘scrub’ from the face of the hill where the world famous Cheese Rolling will be taking place, in order to make it safer for the competitors and spectators alike.

What else is needed to make it all happen?

Safety fences are erected at the top, and down both sides of the hill 
 
and the communications office (a cattle truck!) has to be set up.

Around the  communications office, a press compound, a wall of straw bales, has to be constructed for safety.

Who does all the physical work?

CHCRC Ltd. plan and organise the work to be done and they themselves do some of the work.
 Much of the work though, is better suited to young, strong and healthy individuals who have the requisite knowledge, skills and ability, rather than the more mature officers of members of CHCRC Ltd.!

This is the domain of the Cheese Rolling Construction Team

Volunteers are an essential part of the Cheese Rolling construction team!

Would YOU like to participate as a volunteer?

The work is unpaid, but your reward will be in your contribution to the efficiency and safety of the event, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you played your part in ensuring that everyone has the best possible experience from the event on the day, you will have played your part in this age old tradition of Cheese Rolling at Cooper's Hill.
..... and what better way to round off a hard days work that to participate in the "Volunteers Barbecue" at the end of the day?

If you would like to volunteer your skills and knowledge, please email:
construction_team
(Numbers are limited & volunteers are selected by skill and ability)

....and .... After the event? .... What then?

After the crowds have streamed away from the hill?
 
Maybe some to be towed out of the car-park if the weather is bad!

Now is the time for the CHCRC Ltd and volunteers set to work once more!

 .....to clear the hill of fences and rubbish

and to return the hill gratefully to nature, 
.... this usually takes until the late afternoon, when once again the hill is silent and majestic.

A month later the hill still shows scars from the runners, sliders and tumblers of the event
Its scars will mend as will the bruises and strains of the competitors, both will surely be here for the next event!

Home Page