Idris Martin reporting.
This game is claimed to be so ancient that it dates back to pre-Roman Britain. There are references to it being played as far back as 1602 in Cornwall. Another account says it was also played in Dorset in 1583.
The ancient Dorset art of nurdling made its welcome return to Roman Road in Upwey near Weymouth on New Year’s Day.
The game involves hurling a wooden block called a nurdle at other players.
Before the start, both teams don war paint, with participants of all ages taking part to pass the tradition on to the younger generation.
Weymouth-based nurdlers turned out in strange clothes and headgear to draw attention to the game that dates as far back as the 1500s in some accounts.
The Serjeants of the game, Albert the Tall, more commonly known as Bill Crumbleholme and Dave the Stocky, aka Dave Squibb, a local builder, were there to check the instruments used to make sure there were no sharp edges or splinters and, in general, to keep order, echoes of the game can be seen in the Hollywood blockbuster Beowulf.
Albert the Tall Displays the Nurdles.
For more nurdling photos follow this link to Idris’ website: idrismartin.wordpress.com