Stroud’s International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Contest is an annual event held on the third Saturday in July between the four townships of Stroud in the world – England, America, Canada and Stroud in Australia’s Hunter Valley.
The first contest - with brickthrowing only- was held in 1960 between USA and England, when it was discovered that both towns had brickworks in common.
It was felt that this would be a novel way to cement relations between the two towns.
In 1961, having realised the existence of two other Strouds, in Canada and Australia, the contest involved the four countries, again with brickthrowing only.
At the suggestion of Stroud, Australia, it was decided to introduce a rolling pin throwing contest for the women in 1962, while the men were throwing the bricks.
It is interesting to note that all rolling pins used in the contests since that time have been made in this area and shipped overseas.
Competition bricks are especially made five pound bricks, and the rolling pins are two pound in weight.
Both are generally thrown in a discus style.
The current brickthrowing record is 142’6”, and the rolling pin throwing record is 156’4”, held by England and USA respectively.
Imperial measurements are used to conform with the other countries.
The day here in Stroud has grown steadily since 1961, and these days it attracts approximately 3000 visitors from many parts of the country for the occasion.
The day commences with a street procession through Stroud to the showground, where all festivities take place.
Brickthrowing secretary Rebecca Dickinson said Saturday’s parade will be “enormous”.
“To date over 40 different floats have entered with the parade to start from Broadway Street near Quambi House at 10.30am,” Ms Dickinson said.
“The contest this year will be officially opened by Lance Chapman who was the first president of the inaugural committee started 50 years ago. He will be coming up from Canberra for the event.
“We are making this year’s event bigger than past years and are encouraging people to stay all day rather than just an hour or two.
“It is to be a family type of day with market stalls and lots of entertainment for the children.
“These include egg and spoon races, sack races, three-legged races and a bicycle decorating competition with prizes for the winners.”
After the event is officially opened elimination heats will be conducted. Everyone is able to enter the open event while the international competition at 3pm is only open to people residing within a 50 mile radius of Stroud Showground.
Entries are taken on the day.
The Stroud Gift 300 metre professional foot race with prizemoney of $2500 will also be held. It attracts many interstate competitors.
“It should be a great day for the whole family,” Ms Dickinson said.
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