Two British records were achieved at this year’s Christmas tree flinging championships. Becky Palmer, from St Leonard’s, won in the women’s category for a second consecutive year at the Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm on November 17. Becky beat last year’s throw by over half a metre with a distance of 7.
5 metres and Dan Davey managed to smash last year’s record by just under half a metre with a distance of 11.1 metres – just under a metre short of the current world record held by Klaus Pubnaz and set in Germany. The winners were presented with £150 by farm owner Clive Collins.
Both distances are believed to be British records and the women’s throw could possibly be a world record. Becky Palmer and Dan Davey received £150 each from farm owner Clive Collins (Image: Catsfield Christmas Farm) There was a record number of participants with more than 70 women and men taking part in the event, which was watched by several hundred people. Many of the spectators took the opportunity to choose a Christmas tree in the plantation before and after the event.
Competitors were required to throw a 6ft Norway spruce as far as possible. They each had three attempts. Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm owner Clive Collins said: “The event was a huge success once again and the sport seems to be growing in popularity.
There were some very tall and strong competitors but, in the men’s category, technique seemed to be more important than brute strength. “It was wonderful to give peopl.