What a tough lot in this county.

Heavy woolsacks are carried in races in Tetbury, football, without any rules is played in the river at Bourton-on-the-Water and speeding cheeses are chased down a very steep hill.

To call this event ‘cheese rolling’ is a total misnomer

These events show our vigour, determination and intent to keep these traditional events going.

Kill joys abound muttering about health and safety and uttering official nonsense.

I expect they are newcomers to our county, and do not appreciate true traditions. Do not listen!

The recent article about the Cotswold Olympics underlines our great sporting history.

Shin kicking is a true example of the sporting skill, courage and mobility you would expect to find amongst the young people of the Cotswolds.

There are groups of hashers where middle aged athletes show running prowess as well as good judgement.

These runners operate in the dark following a pre-set trial through woods and fields.

They choose marvellous pubs to base their activities on.

One group is named The South Cerney Straggles.

Their judgement is demonstrated by the splendid choice of pubs they base each outing on.

Without a doubt they choose the best in South Gloucestershire.

The winter truly brings out all our robust, courageous and exciting prowess.

We may be matched by those of the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales but we are miles ahead of those in the southerly suburbs.

I am of course speaking of sledging.

Shakespeare wrote of ‘these rough wild hills’ meaning of course the Cotswolds and what splendid opportunities are provided here.

On this occasion I speak with real authority having spent the winter of 1947 at Sheepscombe, graduating with first class honours in hurtling down Cotswold Hill.

In later years I lived next to Hampstead Heath.

It was certainly attractive but its manicured slopes presented no real challenge.

If you want real action come to the Cotswolds.