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The Megalithic Portal and Megalith Map : Index >>
General Forum >> Will Insurers write off 400 years of tradition?
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Will Insurers write off 400 years of tradition? |
Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7007
from Surrey, UK
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|  Posted 30-09-2006 at 01:50
For 400 years, a unique Westcountry tradition has run without a hitch, attracting thousands of visitors from across the world.But last year someone made an insurance claim after being knocked to the ground at the unique Ottery St Mary flaming tar barrel event.
Now this historical spectacle looks likely to become the latest event to fall foul of health and safety red tape.
The village tradition, which raises thousands for charity, no longer has any insurance and without it, yet another piece of the Westcountry's heritage could be lost.
Ottery carnival president Andy Wade, who heads the event's organising committee, said their last insurance policy cost £3,500.
Now he has appealed for insurers to step forward and save the November 5 event.
He said: "It would be most unfortunate if it could not go ahead. I am convinced there is an answer out there somewhere."
The tradition of the tar barrel event sees men, women and children running down the street with a flaming barrel on their back as swathes of people jostle around them. Since the 16th century, people have donned mittens made from sacking to race through the streets carrying the flaming 30kg barrel soaked in highly flammable tar.
More: This is Cornwall. (with thanks to Angie Lake)
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Wiggy
Joined:
29-08-2005
Messages: 30
from Bristol
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|  Posted 03-10-2006 at 13:48
Having been 6 or 7 times since 1993 I reckon, from what I saw, that these are not the sort of men (and women and kids) that will just roll over. Come the fifth of November, someone will let off the "rock cannons" and later that night you will see flaming barrels on the backs of near psychotic locals running through the streets!
You can't suppress something as vital as this, at least I hope not.
Wiggy.
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Wiggy
Joined:
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Messages: 30
from Bristol
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| Posted 03-10-2006 at 15:02
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On 2006-10-03 13:48, Wiggy wrote:
Having been 6 or 7 times since 1993 I reckon, from what I saw, that these are not the sort of men (and women and kids) that will just roll over. Come the fifth of November, someone will let off the "rock cannons" and later that night you will see flaming barrels on the backs of near psychotic locals running through the streets!
You can't suppress something as vital as this, at least I hope not.
Wiggy.
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I should say that as the fifth is a sunday this year, any action will be on the fourth. I would hate anyone to turn up a day late because of me.
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Andy B
Joined:
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Messages: 7007
from Surrey, UK
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| Posted 06-10-2006 at 13:30
templar writes: The problem is that, all it takes is one person to phone Ambulance Chasers Direct; "Have you had an accident that wasn't your fault?", and suddenly a lot of this sort of thing starts to come under threat.
In Sussex there are long running traditions of bonfire and firework processions and I hope that these can be protected from what I see as a threat to our cultural heritage. I really do fear the day when, before attending events like these, everyone has to sign a disclaimer.
[templar, please feel free to re-post it from you and I'll delete this one]
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Andy B
Joined:
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Messages: 7007
from Surrey, UK
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| Posted 08-10-2006 at 11:05
TOWN SEES ITS ANCIENT TAR BARREL FESTIVAL RESCUED
Date : 07.10.06
An ancient and unique spectacle in which men, women and children run through the streets with a burning barrel of tar on their backs has been saved.The centuries-old event in Ottery St Mary looked set for failure this year after its insurer pulled out. But yesterday, event chairman Graham Rowland confirmed a new insurance company had been found to back the tar barrel festival.
The problem arose after last year's event when a spectator was knocked to the ground and made a claim.
Last night Mr Rowland said: "Thankfully common sense has prevailed. Insurance for next month's traditional event has been secured and it now looks certain to go ahead as normal."
The event, dating back more than 400 years, raises thousands for charity and attracts people from across the world.
It is usually held on November 5, but this year it will fall on Saturday, November 4.
This is Cornwall with thanks to Angie Lake for sending it
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kooljeff
Joined:
21-03-2002
Messages: 40
from Hampshire
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|  Posted 24-10-2006 at 22:34
Quote:
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On 2006-10-06 13:30, Andy B wrote:
templar writes: The problem is that, all it takes is one person to phone Ambulance Chasers Direct; "Have you had an accident that wasn't your fault?", and suddenly a lot of this sort of thing starts to come under threat.
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Oh so true. And what sort of wimp made a claim? If you don't want a few bumps and bruises stay coccooned in bubblewrap and don't leave your home.
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