Village launches its own Olympics

The Heart of Harbury Games was founded last year by villager Andrew Lawrence, and with the popularity of events such as ‘throwing a tantrum’, the event was such as success that the village wanted to do it again.

Mr Lawrence, who was this year one of several on an organising committee, said: “The weather was awful - cold and wet - but it was a magnificient day anyway.”

Around 160 people in seven teams spent the day at the village playing fields to take part in a variety of games – both serious athletic events and more light-hearted ones – and £1,400 was raised during the day, which went towards the refurbishment of Harbury village hall.

Mr Lawrence and his wife Sue donned masks of Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon to judge a ‘Harbury’s Got Talent’ event, while the ‘throwing a tantrum’ heat was once again on the bill, as well as an open mile event, tug-of-war and other fun competitions.

Mr Lawrence said: “People were very inventive in throwing their tantrums - most had obviously carefully prepared scripts for their scenarios.

“The winning act in the talent contest was absolutely super - two young girls who performed a cheerleading routine which included a rap about Harbury and the games.

“There were some other great efforts, for example another young girl sang unaccompanied, a woman performed tricks with her dog and there was a team of street dancers.”

He added: “I suggested it last year because of the run-up to the Olympics, but the team captains were once again all very enthusiastic and they all want to do it every year.”