Community Website for Sedgefield, Bradbury and Mordon in County Durham, UK
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Ball Game 2006


A photographic report on the 2006 Shrove Tuesday Ball Game.

The 2006 Ball Game was started by 92 year old resident of Sedgefield, Mary Barron. She passed the ball through the bull ring three times to continue the tradition, said to be 1000 years old, of the Shrove Tuesday Ball Game.
A large crowd wait for the ball to be 'alleyed' through the bull ring to start the game
In rugby, this would deserve a penalty
but in the Ball Game; no chance!
A crowd heads down Front Street. Has the Co-op got a sale on?
As the crowd passes the bookies, there are no bets on this game.
Like Wembley Stadium, The Crosshills isn't quite ready to offer a grandstand view.
The owner of this Rover car has chosen a very 'brave' place to park.

A very unusual sighting in the Ball Game; the ball.
As the ball 'hitched' a lift to Fishburn a small group began a game with a much softer ball.

With the game out-of-town for an hour or so, our intrepid photographer observed another old tradition (of Ball Game day and many other days) and enjoyed a pint and a warm, cheery fire in the Golden Lion!

This year's winner was James Forster. James was born and raised in Sedgefield and had long dreamed of winning the Ball Game.

Photographs: courtesy and copyright of Ian Hunter.



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