ANY ONE FOR A GAME OF POOH STICKS OR HOW ABOUT COAL CARRYING?

Hardly a sporty person, no, not even the forthcoming London Olympics remotely interests me, I have to say I did find some of these, err, lesser known sporting activities interesting.

• POOH STICKS. The first known participants of this were, of course Pooh Bear and friends. However it became an 'official' sporting event when a former Lock Keeper noticed walkers throwing sticks in the river and rushing to the other side of the bridge to see whose stick emerged first.
• SNAIL RACING. I think this one just about explains itself. You may however be interested to know that last years winner was a snail called Zoomer who won the finals in a time of 3 minutes and 23 seconds - hmm, I'd love to know how long the course is.
•  TIN BATH RACING. First started in 1971 this is the only race of its kind and draws in competitors numbering almost 100.
• CLOG COBBING. Basically the aim of this sport is to see who can throw a clog the furthest down a path that runs alongside the Roebuck Inn, Lancashire.
• COAL CARRYING. A very tough, up-hill event, competitors carrying 50kg of coal have to run almost a mile as quickly as possible before being allowed to drop the sack of coal.
• BIGGEST LIAR IN THE WORLD. Started in the 19th century by publican Will Ritson who enthralled his customers with his 'tall tales'. Now held every year in November the aim of the competition is to find the person who is worthy of filling the footsteps of "Auld Will", last years winner being Glen Boylan whose tale involved being offered a mayonnaise and peanut butter sandwich by a good Samaritan, Prince Charles, who happened to be passing through the area.
• WIFE CARRYING. Originally a Finnish event in which the winner won his wife's weight in beer (grief! husband dearest would certainly win a lot of beer), this event takes place in Dorking, England and involves a male (or female) carrying a 'wife' over a course which may include obstacles and water hazards, the winner being the first over the line though there will be penalties for dropping the 'wife' who incidentally can be of either sex.