Digbeth Olympics happened on Sunday
Written by Nicky Getgood on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 ( 4 responses )
Tags: Adam Crossley, bryn tranter, Custard Factory, Digbeth Olympics, john mostyn, John Tighe, Spotted Dog
Here’s John Mostyn launching the Digbeth Olympics with artist Bryn Tranter, the only man brave enough to hold the broken barstool-leg doused in turps that was the Olympic flame.
It was a great day that started off with John Mostyn, Adam Crossley and his friend Matt travelling down the River Rea from the Highgate Middleway to Fazeley Street on rubber dingies. All assured me they’d had a Tetanus jab in the last 5 years.
Next up was the cardboard coracle building workshop, in preparation for the race across the filthy Custard Factory pool, which caused some surprise. I was on the girls’ team, which had drawn-out plans from the internet and everything. After much discussion, team-work and gaffa tape we ended up with a big cardboard tray.
Thankfully John Mostyn’s assistant Claire was appointed Captain under threat of the sack. Someone really should talk to her about union membership. She got soaked and had to scoop out the papier mush the boat became whilst Adam and Matt paddled to glory in their ‘Tighe-Tanic’ creation.
Phwoar. In the Pico Prix Adam again raced home to victory in ‘Outatime’. He was closeley followed by John Tighe, who is obscured by teammate Seamus McPringu living every penguin’s dream to fly.
Seamus had a great day, the little ones loved him. He likes kids and it turns out he can actually eat a whole one.
Luckily this little girl managed to escape his belly in time to squelch to victory in the custard wellie race. No adults were willing to wear boots filled to the brim with the rankest, lumpiest custard I’ve ever seen.
Other highlights included the Snail Race, which ended in a nail-biting photo-finish between Ireland and Germany (the little winner).
All snails were later released back into the wild, although I don’t think the ones who got their shells painted with nail varnish were too happy.
I spoke to a very happy Bryn the following day, who thought there should be more mental community events round here like this. I know that this one was dreamed up by John Mostyn and Adam Crossley over a pint so go on, get drinking and get thinking.
