Dorset knob throwing returns to Dorchester school

The Prince of Wales School hosted an event for the first time

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 3rd May 2022
Last updated 3rd May 2022

A Dorchester school is upholding the tradition of Dorset 'knob-throwing' by hosting its first event.

The Prince of Wales School invited the children and adults to have a go at launching the county's biscuits last week (Friday 29th April).

The school chose to put on the contest after seeing a popular local knob-throwing called off for the third year in a row.

A world record came close to being broken too - with basketball coach Luca Dronyk threw 26.7 metres.

That's 2.7 metres short of the record distance of 29.4 metres, set in 2012.

Headteacher Mr Gary Spracklen said:

“The Dorset knob biscuit is part of our local cultural heritage. It’s something to be celebrated and each year many of our children enjoy attending the Dorset Knob Throwing Festival. With the festival cancelled, for the third year in a row, we don’t want our children to miss out.

"That’s why we added Dorset knob throwing to the curriculum and hosted our very own Dorset knob throwing event for families here at The Prince of Wales School. The event has been a great success and we look forward to running it again next year!"

The adults tried their hand at knob throwing too!

Year 4 pupil Charlotte, said:

“We love everything about Dorset here at The Prince of Wales School. In our lessons we already learn about the international significance of the Jurassic Coast, the life and work of Thomas Hardy and we become national experts on one of the most complex Iron Age Hillforts in Europe, Maiden Castle.

"Our work on the Dorset knob biscuit has built on our knowledge and appreciation of all things Dorset. Everyone had great fun competing in our event and it was great to see Coach Luca get close to the world record."

The school's now keen to see other local schools adding Dorset Knob-throwing to their curriculum, even suggesting a league of school competing against each other.

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