Gillingham, October 2008

Despite adverse growing conditions this year, an encouraging number of entries were received for the mangold-growing contest.

The weigh-in and prizegiving was followed by an open mangold hurling contest in which mangolds of all sizes were provided so everybody could have a go. Exciting action pictures below!

Specially-commissioned plates were awarded to the winning Senior and Junior entries. These were made by Spotty Pots who were based at Orchard Park.

The Weigh-in and Prizegiving…

Senior Prize Winner Orchard Park 2008 — **The winner of the senior prize for the heaviest mangold proudly displays his winning root. This gentleman, who is 89 years old, narrowly missed first prize last year – a consistent performer!**

Senior Winner displaying his plate — **The crowd goes wild as the Senior class winner displays his plate.**

Junior Winner, Orchard Park 2008 — The winner of the Junior class receiving her prize from Managing Director Richard Cumming. This was the heaviest Junior mangold despite having been attacked and partly eaten by something, probably a slug.

Winner of the most interestingly shaped mangold — **Richard presents the prize for the most interestingly-shaped mangold. Unfortunately it is not actually in the picture, but you may rest assured that it was indeed interesting.**

Winner of the most aesthetically pleasing mangold — **This lady had the most aesthetically pleasing mangold. It has a nice shape, a long root and a lovely orange colour. She puts it down to the fine soil in her garden.**

… and the Mangold Hurling!

The Mangold King, Gillingham 2008 — **This year’s Mangold King poses with the ennell, a sort of ceremonial mangold- carrying device.**

A contestant in the pitching basket, about to hurl.

Mangold hurling should be taken seriously

Having second thoughts about mangold hurling?

A youngster getting a first taste of mangold hurling

A mangold hurler about to pitch a mangold

Practising an elegant exit from the pitching basket

Other News and Events

Gillingham, October 2009

Spooky goings-on at Orchard Park! Celebrating “Punkie Night”, this year’s mangold-growing and hurling event was held on Halloween, reviving the Somerset tradition.
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Somerset, April 2009

Sowing Time at the Association’s Mangold Patch. These pictures show Mangold Hurling Association committee members sowing this year’s mangold seeds.
Read more…
Gillingham, October 2008

Despite adverse growing conditions this year, an encouraging number of entries were received for the mangold-growing contest.
Read more…
Hurling in Ohio

Transatlantic Mangold Hurling! News of a mangold hurling competition in Cleveland, Ohio. Mangold hurling has enjoyed an enormous resurgence of interest in recent years.
Read more…
Somerset, October 2007

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run.
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Somerset, June 2007

Raised in captivity, these young mangold plants are now ready to leave their pots to join their counterparts in the mangold patch. Everything you need for transplanting, thinning and weeding your mangolds can be accommodated in the boot of a conventional motor car.
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