Last week's column concerning traditional British food unfortunately failed to mention one of the highlights of the year, the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, held every September in Ramsbottom, near Manchester. It dates back to the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century between the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the House of York (white rose).
Legend has it that in one battle the warring factions ran out of ammunition and started throwing food at one another. This has since evolved into an annual skirmish with Lancastrians throwing black puddings at Yorkshire Puddings placed on a six-metre-high plinth outside a pub. It all sounds pretty daft, which of course is exactly its intention.
There are many other eccentric "championships" held in Britain including Cheese Chasing in Gloucestershire, Snail Racing in Norfolk, Bog Snorkelling in Wales, Tin Bath Racing in the Isle of Man, Gravy Wrestling in Lancashire and Lawn Mower Racing in just about every county. It will come as no surprise that a pub is usually not far away.
