Latest news with #cheeserolling
BBC News
11 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Gloucestershire cheese-rolling champion finally gets prize
A PhD student who made a last-minute decision to take part in a cheese-rolling competition has finally been given her missing edible Dempsey was at a meeting with her supervisor in Oxford when she realised that, if she left at that moment, she could arrive at Cooper's Hill in time for the women's downhill Gloucestershire cheese-rolling Dempsey then also competed in the uphill race, only to win but not be awarded her cheese, as it had been left in a volunteer's Wakeman, master of ceremonies, presented Ms Dempsey with her cheese on Monday, a week after her win. The centuries-old event sees competitors chase 7lb (3kg) Double Gloucester wheels down Cooper's Hill near Dempsey, who is from the US state of Michigan, arrived at the hill as the women's downhill race started and threw her belongings to a 33-year-old said it was "joyful" to run down Cooper's Hill, but she then faced the prospect of collecting her belongings."They called an uphill race and I decided that might be a good way to get up the hill fast and, sure enough, I won it," she her prize could not be found, some initially suspected the cheese had been stolen. All was later revealed when the wheel was discovered in a volunteer's fridge. Jem Wakeman has been explaining the rules to competitors and starting the races as master of ceremonies for more than 10 about this year's event, he said: "It was very good to watch from the top - there's been lots of facepalms and some good fliers."Everyone does it at their own risk. I've done it myself and been injured, it's part and parcel of the game."Two people had to be taken to hospital from this year's event, which took place on 26 races are labelled "unsafe" by the local authority and are classed as an extreme sport.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Try and stay on your feet, if you fall do an army roll... Cheese-rolling winner reveals tips for success in Britain's most adrenaline-inducing race
A former Cheese-rolling champion has shared his tips for success at Britain's wackiest and most adrenaline-inducing race. Chris Anderson, 37, is something of a legend in Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, having earned a place in the Guinness World Records for his cheese-chasing triumphs. Having stepped back from competing, he now offers advice to competitors on how to stay safe. It comes after a competitor in last week's annual competition was airlifted to hospital, and another was carried away on a stretcher. A video from the event captured the terrifying moment one competitor, dressed as a wizard, came flying down the huge hill before slamming into the ground. Reflecting on the race, Anderson told The Guardian: 'It's risky, there is no doubt about it. You've just got to be able to try and stay on your feet as long as possible and lean backwards so you can stay in control of yourself.' He said that it is better for competitors to stay in control rather than going flat out for speed. If you fall, the best bet is to do an army roll and then get back on your feet as quickly as possible, the former military man said. The event challenges people to pursue a 3kg Double Gloucester cheese rolling down the steep 200 yard hill, though has also prompted safety warnings in recent years. Hundreds of people have been gathering at Cooper's Hill to watch the occasion that is thought to have its roots in a pagan festival celebrating the return of spring. Competitors chase the cheese down the 180m-high hill, with many tripping and tumbling on their way - only to pick themselves up and resume the pursuit. The first runners to catch the cheese, which can reach speeds of up to 70mph, are declared victors in various races across the event that dates back to the 1800s. Anderson believes mid-20s is the ideal age for competitors, blending fitness with a bit of experience. But being an adrenaline junkie is also crucial. The 23-time winner of the event suggested that anyone taking part should visit the site before the event itself. He said that many willing competitors turn up on the day to run the race and pull out after viewing the hill for the first time. Now a ground worker for the event, Anderson had his preferred route down the hill, avoiding a tricky hollow. He grew up in Brockworth where the event is held each year and witnessed the race every year since he was young. He admitted that in his teenage years he and his friends used to go up the hill and 'push each other down'. In 2004, Anderson finished second place aged just 16 and vowed he would return to win the race in the future. Wasting no time, he won the event the following year, but broke his ankle when he fell in a hole while celebrating. Anderson returned to win the event another 22 times, becoming a local legend of the event. In 2022 he retired after breaking the record for the most wins. It is not known when the race was first run, but it is thought to date back for hundreds of years. The event is now a global phenomenon which attracts visitors and viewers from all over the world. Rebel cheese rollers have been staging their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010. This year's event prompted a safety warning from the local ambulance, police and fire services, who warned they could be overwhelmed if there was a 'mass casualty incident'. But it went ahead as planned, with Tom Kopke, a 23-year-old YouTuber from Munich, retaining the title he won last year. Luke Briggs won one of the men's contests dressed in a Superman costume - while first-time racer Ava Sender Logan, 20, from London, was triumphant in the first women's event before admitting she did not even like cheese. She told of not remembering most of her downhill tumble, but said of the occasion: 'It's such a cool tradition.' Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson from Gloucestershire Police has previously described the event as a 'unique tradition', adding that the force had 'no desire to stop it'. But officers said they had a duty to tell the public the local Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group had declared it unsafe, raising concerns about the potential strain on emergency services. The advisory group is made up of multiple agencies, including emergency services, who work to promote safety and welfare at events. Members have told of concerns about how officials could respond if there were a major incident, after ambulances struggled to access the site in 2023. The winner of that year's women's race was knocked unconscious at the finish line and only discovered had won after waking up in a medical tent. The tradition could be given an official honour by being added to a UK heritage list. The Government is asking the public to nominate their favourite traditions that best reflect Britain, to be recorded in a new Inventory of Living Heritage in the UK. Other traditions in the same county such as surfing the Severn Bore and Woolsack Races in Tetbury have also been touted as potential contenders for the list, with heritage minister Baroness Twycross saying last month: 'The UK is rich with wonderful traditions.' The history of Cooper Hill's Cheese-Rolling event The ceremony originally took place on Whit Monday, but was later moved to the Spring bank holiday. The first evidence of cheese rolling is found in a message written by the town crier in 1826. But even then, the writing suggested it was an old tradition, believed to be about 600-years-old. Two possible origins have been proposed for the event. Some believe it may have evolved from a requirement for maintaining grazing rights on the common, while others believe it has pagan origins from the custom of rolling objects down a hill. It is understood that bundles of burning brushwood were rolled down the hill to represent the birth of the New Year after winter. It is also believed to have links to a traditional fertility rite where buns, biscuits and sweets are scattered from the top of the hill by the Master of Ceremonies (the official host). This in turn encourages the fruits of the harvest.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gloucestershire in Pictures: Cheese roll and rugby
What a week in Gloucestershire - once again, our county traditions have stunned people across the world, as millions watched footage of the cheese rolling down Cooper's Hill. There was to be no fairytale top-four ending for Gloucester Rugby, but they gave thousands of fans at Kingsholm a win to take them into the summer. Wychwood Festival arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse, and there have been the usual stunning scenes across the county. Not to be: Gloucester fans filled the streets around Kingsholm in the build-up to the final match of the season on Saturday. The cherry and whites ended with a win against Northampton but finished just outside the play-off places. Cheesy does it: One last look back at the 2025 Gloucestershire cheese rolling from Bank Holiday Monday, an event that once again drew competitors from all over the world and was watched by thousands at the scene and millions online. Sunny start: The weather really came through on Friday evening for the first day of Wychwood Festival 2025, where artists like Daniel Bedingfield, Scouting for Girls and Shed Seven are performing. The festival transforms Cheltenham Racecourse each year into a family festival - and this year it's looking bigger and better than ever. Heritage: Nestled among the houses of the Cotswold village of Ozleworth is the historic St Nicholas Church. No longer a regularly used place of worship, it is maintained by volunteers from the Churches Conservation Trust. Cheers! The Brockweir Inn Community Benefit Society has successfully purchased the remarkable 16th Century village tavern on the banks of the River Wye. This community collective is now launching a second share offer to raise the funds needed to refurbish and reopen their historic village pub. The share offer opens on 1 June and will run for six weeks until 15 July. Stunning settings: A mixed week of weather in the county but enough sunshine for this beautiful photo captured in Hardwicke by our weather watcher, Tone Poet. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Gloucestershire in pics: Pies and record breakers Gloucestershire in pics: Water, water everywhere Gloucestershire in pics: Jazz fever in Cheltenham Gloucestershire in Pictures: Keeping it cool Gloucestershire in Pictures: A tryfest at Kingsholm Gloucestershire in pics: Narrowboats and bluebells Gloucestershire in Pictures: Pelicans and dancing Gloucestershire in pics: Blossom and community Gloucestershire in pics: Derby delight and sunsets Gloucestershire in pics: EMF, penguins and rugby Gloucestershire in pics: Loud outfits and stunning sunsets Gloucestershire in pics: Pancakes and rugby wins Gloucestershire in Pictures: Spring sunshine and stadium renaming Gloucestershire in pictures: Wildlife and history Gloucestershire in pictures: Celebs and canines Gloucestershire in pictures: Candlemas and frosts Gloucestershire in pics: Wolf moon and pine martens Gloucestershire in pics: Snow and sunrises Gloucestershire in pictures: Pink skies and frosty mornings Gloucestershire in pics: Festive spirit spreading Gloucestershire in pics: Decorations fit for a King Gloucestershire in pictures: Snow and winter walks Gloucestershire in pics: Winter walks and sunrises Gloucestershire in pictures: Sunsets and fireworks Gloucestershire in pics: Pink skies and autumn trees Gloucestershire in pictures: Floods and rugby Gloucestershire in pictures: Super moons and epic challenges Gloucestershire in pictures: Medals and rainbow clouds Gloucestershire in pictures: Stars and soap boxes Gloucestershire in pictures: Rowing records and fantasy characters Gloucestershire in pictures: Farm fun and public art
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gloucestershire in Pictures: Wychwood and cheese rolling
What a week in Gloucestershire - once again, our county traditions have stunned people across the world, as millions watched footage of the cheese rolling down Cooper's was to be no fairytale top-four ending for Gloucester Rugby, but they gave thousands of fans at Kingsholm a win to take them into the Festival arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse, and there have been the usual stunning scenes across the county. Not to be: Gloucester fans filled the streets around Kingsholm in the build-up to the final match of the season on Saturday. The cherry and whites ended with a win against Northampton but finished just outside the play-off places. Cheesy does it: One last look back at the 2025 Gloucestershire cheese rolling from Bank Holiday Monday, an event that once again drew competitors from all over the world and was watched by thousands at the scene and millions online. Sunny start: The weather really came through on Friday evening for the first day of Wychwood Festival 2025, where artists like Daniel Bedingfield, Scouting for Girls and Shed Seven are performing. The festival transforms Cheltenham Racecourse each year into a family festival - and this year it's looking bigger and better than ever. Heritage: Nestled among the houses of the Cotswold village of Ozleworth is the historic St Nicholas Church. No longer a regularly used place of worship, it is maintained by volunteers from the Churches Conservation Trust. Cheers! The Brockweir Inn Community Benefit Society has successfully purchased the remarkable 16th Century village tavern on the banks of the River Wye. This community collective is now launching a second share offer to raise the funds needed to refurbish and reopen their historic village pub. The share offer opens on 1 June and will run for six weeks until 15 July. Stunning settings: A mixed week of weather in the county but enough sunshine for this beautiful photo captured in Hardwicke by our weather watcher, Tone Poet.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Try to stay on your feet': Cheese-rolling champion reveals secrets to his success
It is as much about control as out-and-out speed. Bravery is important – but so is an element of careful preparation and planning. Over the years, Chris Anderson, the record-breaking cheese-chasing king of Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, has seen it all. Lots of wins but also losses and injury. Advertisement Related: 'I risked my life for this': YouTuber wins cheese-rolling race two years in a row Now having stepped back from the annual madcap, helter-skelter race, Anderson is taking on the role of elder statesman, happy to pass on his experience to anyone who'd like to listen. 'It's risky, there's no doubt about it,' he reflected after the latest edition of the event this half-term week. 'You've just got to be able to try and stay on your feet as long as possible and lean backwards so you can stay in control of yourself. 'Obviously you need to be fast but overall it's better to stay in control rather than going flat out.' If you fall, the best bet is an army roll – Anderson used to serve in the British military so he was good at that – and then back on your feet as quickly as possible. Advertisement He reckons mid-20s is the ideal age for a cheese-roller. 'Fit but with a bit of experience as well.' And, of course, you need to have the right mindset. 'You've got to be someone who enjoys an adrenaline rush.' Anderson, who won the event – in which a round of double gloucester cheese is pursued down the steep incline – 23 times, earning himself a place in Guinness World Records, suggests that anyone wanting to enter should visit the site before the day itself. Because on the hill, perhaps as in life itself, people have to find their own way. Anderson, 37, now a ground worker, had his preferred route, avoiding a tricky hollow. 'I strongly advise visiting the hill before you make the decision to get up there and do it. So many people turn up on the day wanting to run it, then look at it and say: 'No way.'' Advertisement Anderson grew up in the village of Brockworth, where the event takes place. 'So it's always been a tradition in my family. I always saw it happening.' When he was in his teens he and his mates used to go up the hill from time to time and, as boys will, push each other down. 'We were just having a laugh in our holidays.' Related: 'You just have to roll': Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race has international appeal At the age of 16 in 2004 he entered the event proper and came second. 'I thought I'll do it again and win it.' He did just that the following year. Though the actual race went well, the aftermath was less successful. Advertisement 'I broke my ankle celebrating at the bottom. I jumped up to celebrate and I fell in a hole.' He recovered, came back and kept winning, becoming something of a local hero. His only other serious injury was bruising to his kidneys in 2011. After winning his 23rd race in 2022, he decided to retire. 'I broke the record so there was no need to carry on really.' Nobody is sure when the event began but many locals say it goes back hundreds of years. 'I think it is something like 600 years,' Anderson said. 'Perhaps it was an old pagan ritual to bring good luck for the harvest.' He has seen cheese rolling grow in popularity into something of a global event which attracts media attention from across the world. 'That's been down to the internet. The internet has made it huge.' Advertisement Ahead of this week's event, the Tewkesbury borough safety advisory group declared the event unsafe, expressing concern about how emergency services would be able to respond if there was a major incident with multiple casualties at the spot, which is hard to access. An air ambulance and five land ambulances attended this time after injuries and two people went to hospital. 'Obviously it is a dangerous sport, one of those extreme sports,' said Anderson. 'But I wouldn't say it's any more dangerous than motocross or mountain biking or anything like that.' Winners this year included a Gloucester man, a London woman and two international contestants, one from Germany, the other from New Zealand. Advertisement Anderson said he wasn't going to be tempted out of retirement. Ironically, he is nursing a running injury. 'I did a marathon last year. I didn't train for it, I just went for it. I did an OK time but I just overdid it and I've got a hip flexor injury.' He is a father of three and one of his teenage children fancies a go at it. 'I've tried to push him away from doing it. I think he's just trying to prove himself to me. When he gets to 18 it'll be up to him but I'd rather he didn't do it.'
