Conger cuddling

Conger coddling is a traditional event in Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, in which a dead conger eel is thrown at members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Part of the town's "Lifeboat Week", the eel is attached to a rope and thrown at nine people standing on flowerpots^[1] in a manner similar to skittles. There are two teams involved in a last man standing competition.^[2]

The event, which attracts around 3,000 people annually,^[3] was used to raise funds for the RNLI. It has been called the "most fun a person could have with a dead fish".^[2]

The event started in the early 1970s when Richard Fox, a retired publican, organised the first event. It became a tradition of the town, drawing numerous spectators. However, in 2006 the RNLI made the decision that the event was "inappropriate" after a complaint was made. When it was next held (28 July 2006) the eel had been replaced by a buoy, but there are talks of a replacement, plastic eel being made for 2007.^[3]

References

1. ^ Clarke, Matt, Practical Fishkeeping. "Conger cuddling cancelled". Accessed 29 July 2006.
2. ^ ^{a b} Reuters, 29 July 2006. "Net closes on conger cuddling". Accessed 29 July 2006.
3. ^ ^{a b} Etim, Thelma, BBC News. 29 July 2006. "Fish lover's anger ends eel event". Accessed 29 July 2006.

External links

• Photographs from Lifeboat Week at LymeRegis.com