World Pea Shooting Championships

The World Pea Shooting Championship has been held annually since 1971 in the village of Witcham near Ely in Cambridgeshire, England. It was conceived as a fund-raising idea for the building of a modern Village Hall by the headmaster of the village school, John I. Tyson (1925–2002). (The school is long since closed, and children from Witcham now go to primary school in nearby Mepal.)

History

In 2003, the Parish Council funded the purchase of the John Tyson Shield on which the champion's name is recorded each year.

The competition tends to be dominated by local entrants, though a small number travel from around the world, notably the USA, and American personnel from the nearby US airbases of RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath have competed. The day is combined with village fete featuring games, stalls, and more.

Recent champions

In 2011, Ian Ashmeade became the 2011 and 41st World Pea Shooting Champion. He beat George Hollis, a four-time World Champion, in the semifinal, and 2009 champion Jim Collins in the final.

In 2011, Emma Watson became the Ladies' World Pea Shooting Champion the first time she picked up a pea shooter.

The 2014 and 2015 Ladies title was won by Michelle Berry with a laser shooter made by her father.

The 2012, 2013, and 2014 World Pea Shooting Champion is Rob Bresler.

Bresler defeated the 2010 and 2011 champion Ian Ashmeade in the quarterfinals in 2012. Bresler met the 2009 champion Jim Collins in a final that resulted in a 'sudden death' pea-off.

World Champion Ian Ashmeade in 2010

References

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