A fight involving 200 Feb. 2, 2008

Last night in Workington a huge fight broke out involving 200 people. Which sounds fun, at a distance.

But Workington has already its own unique football-kicking-scrum involving everyone, which may look to the eye like a giant fight : it’s the Uppies & Downies which takes place every Easter since anyone can remember, on the Cloffocks. Sacred ground. Of Village Green status. Deeds were written once giving the land over to the people. The deeds are desperately being sought as Tescos has planning permission to concrete over the Cloffocks. This Easter could be the last. Everyone including you are welcome you won’t be eaten alive quite – you can even join in what looks like a mass fight but has noble undercurrents and true, genuine sportsmanship and you’ll leave the match at some unknown hour thinking I am glad I played a part in that.