I'll chase the cheese - champion

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Friday, March 19, 2010
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This is Gloucestershire

​Cheese rolling champion Chris Anderson said he will chase the cheese at Cooper’s Hill this year - even if the event is cancelled.

Last week, organisers announced they were forced to cancel the 200-year-old event due to health and safety fears.

But Chris, who has won the contest six times in the last seven years, said he will risk life and limb and take part even if it meant holding an unauthorised event in the May Bank Holiday.

The 22-year-old from Trent Road, Brockworth said: “Cheese rolling has always taken part since I was young and I just want it to keep going.

“There are hundreds of members on Facebook that say they will be going and there is a rugby team that have said they will be catchers at the bottom of the hill.

 “The lady that makes the cheeses said we can have one, and on May 31 I will be going up there and doing it whatever happens.”

About 15,000 people from all over the world flock to the famous hill near Brockworth, to watch the event every May Bank Holiday.

Madcap contestants risked life and limb by throwing themselves down the 100ft drop in an attempt to catch the 8lb Double Gloucester cheese wheel.

Chris, who has a seven-month-old baby with girlfriend Sophie Bace, said that although the event is cancelled this year he thinks it won’t be scrapped for good.

He said: “It would be terrible if they didn’t have it - but I don’t think it will be cancelled permanently.

 “There are so many people that want it to go-ahead that I think they will find a way of doing it next year or hopefully this year.

“It is such an amazing rush, I couldn’t imagine it not happening.”

Last night 6,560 people had joined the Facebook group to ‘bring back the cheese rolling’.

 

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  • Profile image for This is Gloucestershire

    by Rev. Richard Turk, The Reddings, Cheltenham

    Monday, March 22 2010, 6:40AM

    “''Chris Anderson'' - clearly you dont understand that being gay is a sin in the eyes of our Lord. The Bible makes this quite clear: Lev 18:22-23 "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." Lev 20:13 "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death." 1 Cor 6:9 "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals"

    So whilst I find your chosen way of life distasteful, I recognise that you have choosen to practice homosexuality in privacy, that is your free choice. But be certain that the Christian Bible condemns all such practices and God will judge you unfit for the kingdom of heaven if you continue to practice and openly promote homosexual sex.”

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    by MJJ, sittingdown

    Sunday, March 21 2010, 8:25AM

    “Giovanni,
    cheese-rolling.co.uk isn't the official website of the organisers. I found cheeserolling.org.uk. This is the official one used by the organisers. Some useful up to date info here. Not just adverts and heresay.”

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    by Informed, Cheltenham

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 5:44PM

    “So, if you're injured at the unauthorised event who will look after you?

    St. John Ambulance are on site for the official event because if you' are injured an ambulance wouldn't be able to get through the traffic and your treatment would be significantly delayed - good luck if you break your leg!”

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    by Giovanni, Gloucester

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 10:30AM

    “In recent years the event was cancelled in 1998, 2001 and 2003. Acording to the official cheese-rolling website, the committee themselves performed a cheese roll to maintian the unbroken tradition. Will they do the same this year?”

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    by Ade, coopers hill

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:42AM

    “I agree Brockite born & breed. I dont think these people have really thought about the bigger picture.
    Chris, In fairness, it aint just you going up the hill, is it? I don't think he/she was having a go at you. They did say they admired you?
    Maybe this has all got out of hand. Press will have a field day though.”

  • Profile image for This is Gloucestershire

    by Chris Anderson, BROCKWORTH

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 9:17AM

    “message to...Brockite born & bred, Brockworth.........just because i have said i am going up there to run down on the day it doesnt hold me responsible for other peoples actions. all im doing is going up there running down a few times then go pub. if other people want to do that then thats there choice. you sound like one of those people who would claim if they fell off a curb. you like to point the finger at one person. just beacause the citezen contacted me and asked a few questions on my thoughts does not mean i am organising anything. so before you go running to the solicitor to claim for a brocken blade of grass make sure you have a solid case. GRRRRR!!!! GOD SOME PEOPLE :(”

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    by Brockite born & bred, Brockworth

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 8:42AM

    “Hey, don't think all Brockite's are stupid. No, it's just the ones who think they can do what they want, stuff the consequence and expect some other poor soul to repair the damage they've done.
    Chris, enjoy your moment of fame because you and yer mates are about to ruin the event for good. Thanks very much pal.
    I do admire your spirit and hope you're well insured, because when one of your mates breaks his neck, or you damage someones property, it's you as the figurehead that the legal boys will chase for compo.
    Bet you're gonna be really popular with the guy who lives in the house at the bottom.
    Good luck !”

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    by helen smith, cam

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 6:26AM

    “Anon from glouceter, another pathetic comment which you have to put people down to try and make yourself feel better. ?
    Congrats Chris! at least you are fighting for something you are passionate about, Maybe people if we all ignore her she would go away and keep her narrow minded view and idiotic comments to herself???? we can wish! anon as your in gloucester maybe come along to coopers hill, if you need a little help getting down I will be more than happy to give you a little push to help you on your way :)
    My husband has won the uphill race and we would be devestated to see the event disappear, in reply to the comment about brockworth people not helping, myself and husband have offered help to the organiser previously when the event was cancelled and even though they appreciated the offer they had everything under contol and just wanted visitors to use the car park allocated as this profit helped with the running costs, this is vital for it to continue! why do we have to make such offensive and judgemental comments and just appreciate peoples hobbies and respect them. we will be there for sure cheering you on chris with our boots on for the uphill race!”

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    by Richard, Goldbar

    Saturday, March 20 2010, 3:54AM

    “200yr old traditions? We have the Cinderford cassanovas chasing sheep around in thier wellies.”

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    by James, Cheltenham

    Friday, March 19 2010, 9:41PM

    “I'll be at the Tetbury Woolsack races as usual. Now there's a sight! I can't even walk up the hill they run up carrying huge woolsacks. Beers' better too.”

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