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.