Rebels descend on Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire for Cheese Roll
HUNDREDS of people descended on Cooper’s Hill yesterday to enjoy the historic cheese rolling event – despite it being officially cancelled.
This year’s event was axed in March leaving the 15,000 adrenaline junkies and spectators who attended last year with a gap in their calendar.
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Rebel rollers
However, hundreds of people ignored the “cheese rolling cancelled” signs and the large police presence, and made their way to the spectacle on the 1:2 gradient hill.
Champion Chris Anderson and his dad John, from Brockworth, cleared the hill of debris on Sunday night.
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The 22-year-old maintained his winning streak this year, winning both of the races he entered.
“It was a really good laugh,” he said.
“There was a bit more competition this year, and I was a bit nervous beforehand.
“It’s been good fun but I’m sure it will be bigger and better next year.”
The first ‘roll’ took place at the usual time of noon. Four more races followed, including a women’s roll and a children’s roll.
And all the competitors got down with only minor injuries.
Greg Mills, 32, flew all the way from California to take part in the event. He said: “I have done the bull race and the tomato fight in Spain, and this was next on my list.
“I bought my ticket before it was cancelled but thought I’d come anyway. I’ve even bought my own Babybel cheese.”
Maurice Prince, 21, Bart Zijistra, 22, and Roderick Brouwer, 21, came from Holland to take part.
“We saw it on YouTube and just had to give it a go,” said Maurice.
Nima Nasseri, 30, was on his stag do from Sheffield. “I’m getting married in six weeks so if I get injured I’ll have time to recover!”
His friends Tom Helliwell, 30, and Andrew Goodrick, 26, were also having a go.
“We thought it would be a good idea for a stag do, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Tom.
All members of the group made it down the hill in one piece.
Kane Kotwica, 24, from Brockworth, was taking part in his second ‘roll’. He said: “It’s a Brockworth tradition and I’m taking part to make a stand against those who want to cancel it.”
Paul Burrows, 47, from London, was taking part for the second time. He said: “I knew it was cancelled, but I think there could have been a proper event put on.
“I think it has grown beyond the capabilities of the community and they should look to contract other agencies in.”
Richard Jefferies, a member of the cheese rolling committee, attended the event too. He said: “I thought it was good. Although it wasn’t an official event, it was good to see the tradition was continued. Now the planning for next year starts.”
The event was cancelled amid concerns over health and safety.
Officials had earlier warned there would be no on-site medical help for those injured in unofficial events and urged people to stay away. No one from the police was available to comment.
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Comments
by geraint, gloucester
Wednesday, June 02 2010, 10:41AM
“Nick,
Someone owns the mountains too and I've climbed a lot of them - but it was never "official" !”
by Nick, .
Wednesday, June 02 2010, 9:53AM
“To answer the question, I guess that if it's sanctioned by the landowner (there is always a landowner) it's official.”
by Steve, Hougham
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 7:03PM
“with no Heath and Safety and no dedicated medical help, just like the old days, how many were injured at yesterday's cheese rolling?”
by geraint, gloucester
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 2:34PM
“Well done the rebels for keeping this ancient Gloucestershire tradition alive. Perhaps they should make the cheese rolling 'unofficial' every year !”
by JimTheGlawsFan, Gloucester
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 1:30PM
“Where are the rebels and where was the large police presence? It's public land and no crimes were committed. Why were there police there at all?
You can't stop tradition, and what makes the "official" roll official? I bet 100 years ago there wasn't this much bother and worry. Just get on with it and if people park illegally on the A46 then get the vehicles towed and fine them. That should more than pay for itself and act as a major deterrent for the following year.”
by Jim Harley, Gloucester
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 1:30PM
“Where are the rebels and where was the large police presence? It's public land and no crimes were committed. Why were there police there at all?
You can't stop tradition, and what makes the "official" roll official? I bet 100 years ago there wasn't this much bother and worry. Just get on with it and if people park illegally on the A46 then get the vehicles towed and fine them. That should more than pay for itself and act as a major deterrent for the following year.”
by Simon Henly, Eastington
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 10:57AM
“Just goes to show that health and safety has its place, and it is not in interfereing in traditional pastimes that everyone knows to be dangerous yet participate anyway.
Perhaps this is the way it should be done every year, if there is no organising comittee then nobody can be sued by the idiots who want to make a fast buck out of thier own stupidity.”
by The Fool, On The (Coopers) Hill
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 8:24AM
“Was this unofficial cheese chasing championship on a roll, or was this year`s cheese rolling going downhill fast?!”