Mangold Hurling Past and Present

Mangold Hurling Past and Present

A pictorial feast of Mangold Hurling

Searching for a mangold
Following a record-breaking throw in 1936, volunteers from the Association comb a hillside to pinpoint the exact landing site of Arthur J. Boobyer’s mangold.
Sheep on a heap
Prior to a major competition, tight security has to be maintained to prevent the mangolds being “knobbled” by would-be cheats. Here we see a mangold heap surrounded by barbed wire and a sturdy gate, and being patrolled by guard sheep. These animals have been trained to emit an ear-piercing bleat to warn of a miscreant’s approach. Unfortunately in this case the sheep have eaten the tops of the mangolds, thus rendering them useless.
Old experimental measuring contraption
An early and unsuccessful attempt at mechanising the process of measuring the distance thrown. The willow rod remains the measuring instrument of choice.
Constable taking a dim view

Enthusiasm amongst spectators sometimes boils over into violence and disorder. This constable is taking a dim view of a pair of hooligans.