A school in Dorchester is set to celebrate a Dorset tradition as it hosts its second Dorset Knob throwing contest.

Following the success of their inaugural event, The Prince of Wales School is once again bringing this unique tradition to the forefront of their community on Friday, May 3 2024.

Originally inspired by the cancellation of a local festival for the third year in a row, the school introduced Dorset knob-throwing to its curriculum, recognising the Dorset knob biscuit as an integral part of the region's heritage.

Dorset Echo: Children at Prince of Wales School at their Knob-throwing eventChildren at Prince of Wales School at their Knob-throwing event (Image: Prince of Wales School)

Headteacher, Gary Spracklen emphasised the importance of recognising the county's traditions and has encouraged other schools to take place.

He said: "The Dorset knob biscuit is part of our local cultural heritage. It's something to be celebrated.

"It would be great to see other schools locally embracing the Dorset knob and hosting their own throwing events.

"Perhaps we could set up a Dorset knob throwing schools league with home and away fixtures? I’d love to hear from any schools that would like to get involved."

Year 4 pupil Grace and her peers at The Prince of Wales School are gearing up for the festivities.

In addition to their ongoing lessons about World War Two, the works of William Shakespeare, and the intricacies of Maiden Castle, they are enthusiastic about showcasing their knob-throwing skills.

Grace said: "Me and my friends are very confident that we will be better than our teachers and parents at Dorset knob throwing.

"We are going to get practicing in our PE lessons and do our very best to set some new world records."

Dorset Echo: The school are proud to teachtheir pupils about the local culture and are encouraging other schools to join in The school are proud to teachtheir pupils about the local culture and are encouraging other schools to join in (Image: Prince of Wales School)

The Dorset knob can date its origins dating to before 1860 and is a culinary delight born from the Moores family's baking traditions in west Dorset.

The knobs were created by adding butter and sugar to leftover dough, hand-rolling them into small buttons, and baking them until crispy.

Rules for this year's Knob throwing contest are as follows: 

  • Three Dorset knobs per go, with the furthest knob thrown measured.
  • Use only Dorset knobs provided.
  • Standing throw from marked standing point.
  • Underarm throwing only.
  • One foot must remain on the ground during throwing.
  • Distance measured within the designated throwing zone: 5 meters wide x 32 meters long.
  • Dorset knob measured at the final resting place.
  • If a Dorset knob breaks upon landing, the umpire will decide the final resting place.

For more information contact Mr. Spracklen Headteacher via telephone on 01305 257120 or via email at headteacher@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk