The eyes of the world will soon be on Ashbourne in Derbyshire when it plays host to its annual royal shrove tide Football match game.
The exciteing, dramatic, chaotic event-which takes place/over the streets of the Derbyshire town (and the river!) - attracts Interest from camera crews, photographers and journalists from across the globe.
The annual spectacle is something no true Ashburnian ever wants to miss out on such is the drama and excitement, People from all over the area and beyond flock to witness it.
Ashbourne royal shrovetide football is a game played every shrove tuesday and ash wednesday 28th feb/1st march this year and the game takes place over two eight hour periods, the goals are 3 miles apart and there are few rules.
The Ashbourne game has been played from at least 1667 but its exact origins are unknown due to a devastating fire at the royal shrovetide commitee office in The 1890,s which destroyed the earliest records.
The action starts at 2pm each day and the match continues until 10pm if the goal is scored (goaled) before 5pm a new ball is released and play restarts, however play ends for the day if a ball is goaled after 5pm.
Why is it called `Royal shrovetide?
Because the royal family loves it! The game has been known as `royal` since the 1920,s when the prince of wales - later king edward V111 - Turned - up the ball in 1928 the game recieved royal status again in 2003 when prince charles started the game plus football `Royalty` Turned up the ball in 1975 when the late, great brian clough did the honours.
Apart from the gritty enjoyment of the game itself locals often describe it as `Ashbourne`s Christmas` thats because the event draws people back to the town from far & wide, People who live abroad or who have moved elsewhere in the uk come back to the place where they were born, Reunions meals, Camaraderie,friendship and happiness abound and the pubs come alive as friends and family gather The Atmosphere is always exceptional.
The anthem is sung at a pre - game Ceremony it was written in 1891 for a concert held to raise money to pay off The fines ordered for playing the game in the street the lyric`s from 1891 are as Follows:-
There`s a town still plays this glorious game
Tho` tis but a little spot
And year by year the contest`s fought
from the field that`s called shaw croft
Then friend meets friend in friendly strife The leather for to gain,
And they play the game right manfully,
In Snow, Sunshine or rain.
Chorus,
`Tis a glorious game, deny it who can That Tries the pluck of an Englishman,
for loyal the game shall ever be no Matter when or where,
And treat that game as ought but the free, Is more than the boldest dare.
Through The up`s and downs of its chequered life may the ball still ever Roll Until by fair and gallant strife We`ve reached The Treasur`d goal
Chorus
`Tis a glorious game, deny it who can That Tries The pluck of an Englishman.
Thou the weather is set not to be nice Tommorow will anybody be going to watch the game from here or stopping at home Makeing pancakes Instead, Hopefully one Day I,ll go to watch this game....  |
