What started as a bet between Oxenhope farmers some 50 years ago, has become an annual event, raising thousands of pounds for local charities, including Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
This year, over 500 competitors took part, carrying bales of straw the 2.5 miles from The Waggon & Horses pub, through the village and up the long steep hill to The Dog & Gun, stopping at The Bay Horse and The Lamb on the way for a drink. There were also stops at the sites of the former Shoulder of Mutton in Leeming and Oxenhope Social Club (better known locally as The Idiot Hut) and each stop was sponsored by a different brewery. There was a fantastic atmosphere in the village and it was great to see roads and gardens along the route full of people having parties and cheering the competitors on.
What an amazing event this is, both for raising a lot of money for good causes and for bringing the community together. There are still some things we Brits still do really well and being completely bonkers is one of them.
Bronte Country Landscapes 
Leave a comment