17th August 2011

Worm Wizards Wanted

A quite unique ‘sporting’ event will be held in Camberley on Saturday 1st October – something that’s never before been seen in this part of England. It’s the South of England heat of the
World Worm Charming Championships, and organisers, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust (BVCT), are looking for competitors.

Anyone can have a go at worm charming and the great thing is that experience is unnecessary, just a willingness to sing, dance, chant and generally do everything possible to entice the worms out of the soil, provided it’s within the rules. Competitors are also encouraged to dress up for the occasion, because it all adds to the fun of the event.

Everyone who enters will be allocated a plot of ground, and the winner is the person who has ‘charmed’ the most worms out of the soil after 30 minutes. Held at Kings International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley there are 60 plots available at just £5 each and competitors are advised to book their plot now.  Sue Cload, who is organising the event for BVCT, says:

“The wonderful thing about worm charming is that it’s tremendous fun, yet very little skill is required. Age makes absolutely no difference. Providing you stick to a few basic rules, you can use any method you like to entice the worms out of the ground. They respond to vibration, so the most popular approach is to play music or create vibrations using a garden fork. Dancing has been known to work too!”

Mothers and daughter, fathers and son, couples, friends, even groups and organisations are all welcome to take part, although the rules state that only two people are allowed on the plot at any one time, so groups can take it in turn try thir charming tecniques.  All proceeds will go to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust and the winner will receive the prestigious South of England Worm Charming trophy and gets automatic entry into the World Worm Charming Championship next year on 23rd June 2012 at Willaston, Cheshire

As well as the worm charming competition there will be other activities for all the family. If you want to learn about the vital role that worms play in the balance of nature, The Earthworm Society of Britain are running free workshops – although places must be pre-booked in advance –  and the Camberley Natural History Society are leading earthworm identification surveys. Refreshments will be available.

So for a Saturday with a real difference, why not take part in this most unusual of sports and get your entry in now! Experience is not necessary. The event takes place on Saturday 1st October, 10am to 1pm.

More details >>>
Entry form >>>
Pictures of the World Worm Charming Championships  >>>

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For more information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353. Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS

NOTES

• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charity set registered in 2005 to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley. Membership is £5 pa for households, £100 for corporates. If you are interested in supporting the Trust visit www.bvct.org.uk or ring 01252 331353.
• For more information about worm charming visit the website.
• The survey is part of the OPAL Soil and Earthworm survey. For more information visit their website.
• The Earthworm Society of Britain are running the workshop. For more details about them and their work visit thier website.