M&D - Chapter 16 - Cheese Rolling

[Johnny Marr]

"'Twas at the annual cheese-rolling at the parish church in Randwick, a few
miles the other side of Stroud"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmnjHu4PwGc

A tradition so ridiculous, even TRP couldn't have made it up - although
he's certainly capable of embellishing it. Our friend Wiki Pedia tells us
that it's taken place since the 15th century, although without providing
much sources by way of verification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper%27s_Hill_Cheese-Rolling_and_Wake

Cheese rolling is ideal territory for TRP - an arcane miniature world with
a peculiar history, combining eccentricity with a finely detailed technical
expertise all of its own - you can sense his relish over the size
categorisations of the Gloucester cheeses, particularly the opportunity to
use the word Quincentenariduodecimal.

I tend to read these group scenes as fondly written - part of TRP's
signature comic picaresque, not so much mocking a silly tradition as
stepping into the breach and jigging along with the locals.

"Some considered it an example of Reason run amok,- an unreflective Vicar,
worshipping at the wrong Altar, having convinced local Cheesemen to pool
their efforts in accomplishing the feat".


M&D is a great celebration of the Age of Reason, and man's capacity for
intellectual and scientific enquiry, but TRP's also able to offset any
pomposity or overearnestness by reminding us that, however tehcnologically
or socially advanced the world becomes, mankind will always have a capacity
for both stupidity - which TRP wards against - and for a playful type of
silliness - which TRP proudly celebrates in the best postmodernist fashion.

Besides, the beginning of a heartfelt romance deserves a grand and
memorable setting. Surely cheese rolling in Stroud fits the bill as well as
any other alternative?
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