We all need a Bank Holiday to give us a perk and Mob Football, in the cosy village of Bourton on the Water (pop. just over 3,000), IN the River Windrush, does that. The game certainly provides the opportunity for coming together. Unfortunately, as social distancing is well into the lives of the Gloucestershire folk, something had to give. Instead of the customary 11am ko, two teams from the local club, kicked off (splashed off?) at 7am, avoiding a big crowd and perhaps the local "Bobby" wouldn't have risen by then to issue "fines". There was a hint of fancy dress and actually not too many lads/lassies were out at that time in the morning. Bank Holiday hangover? A collection was held to raise money for the club.
As a tourist attraction, starting at a sensible time, when the sun was well up, approximately 10,000 spectators would have turned up to see a bunch a locals wade through the "Water" and try to score in what were "modern goals", which rather spoilt the authenticity. But at least the occasion took place midst the unprecedented Covid thing. Quite proud to use that word.....unprecedented.....done it again!
I guess the local businesses will have lost out on a tourist cash.
Below is a previous blog dealing with "mob football"
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3994718670252035536/2283954334996156101
If you happened to be in the vicinity of BRFC, on a ground hop, you may get to Rissington Road, where Bourton Rovers FC from the Hellenic League play. The Rovers' club was founded in 1894 and I suspect some of the present club members join in the "mob game". Who could resist?
If that doesn't grab you, then maybe a visit to the local Model Village, Model Railway, Cotswold Motor Museum, Birdland Park, the "Heart of England" Way (a major footpath) and the Dragonfly Maze might keep you out of the local pubs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=MaMEHdyKXR4 video dated 2014
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