| Where: | Formerly Mapleton, Derbyshire at Okeover Bridge |
| When: | Formerly New Years Day |
| Time: | Formerly From 11 am onwards |
The Mapleton Bridge Jump saw brave souls launching themselves from the parapet of Okeover Bridge into the chilly waters of the River Dove about 30 feet beneath; they then swam a short distance and ran 500 yards to the finish to wait for their fellow jumpers. It was a charity fundraising event which dated back well over 20 years. Formerly there were prizes for men and ladies in teams of two, and only 20 teams could compete in each race.The Ladies races started at 11 with the Gents following at mid-day – Ladies won the Brass Iron while Gents won the Brass Monkey award! Moves to change the date seem to have stalled and it still took place as an unofficial event in much the same way as the Cooper’s Hill Cheeserolling in Gloucestershire (see separate post) until recently. The length of time that the jumping lasted depended on the number of participants as well as the speed with which they launched themselves from the bridge – there were plenty of jumpers in 2017 but it only lasted around quarter of an hour because they all jumped in quick succession.
Helpful Hints
The event has now ceased as the landowners no longer allow access to the site, to allow the land to recover and rewild. If anyone hears rumours of a revival please let me know.
The date was set to move to Easter for 2015 (so would have been held on Monday 6th April) BUT that clashed with fishing & lambing season so it didn’t happen. In spite of the date move being then officially in place, people still turned up on New Years Day 2015 and in subsequent years, and New Years Day continued to be the date for the event until it stopped altogether.
Mapleton is also spelled Mappleton on some maps and road signs.
Jumpers needed to register on the day just before the jump -spectators just turned up to see the fun!
I watched the Mappleton Bridge jump last year with my family and it was great fun to watch.So much so that i would like to take part some time in the future.I understand that with limited spaces it would be difficult to be considered.However how would i go about being considered.I would easily be able to fill one or two boats and bring along several spectators to donate to the chosen charity.Therefore i would be grateful to any information regarding as to how i would go about applying for this years or subsequent years races.The idea of such insane traditions greatly appeals.Finally i live in Derby and i dont know wether the event is for local residents only or if i am able to apply.Yours in hope Kenny
Hi Kenny! First of all I’d like to apologise for taking ages to reply – I’ve just returned from touring the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I haven’t any direct link with the organisation of the event but as far as I know it’s open to all and I would imagine the event coordinators would be only too glad to hear from you , especially as you’re preparing well in advance. Priority is given to local teams but you’re not a million miles away in Derby so hopefully you’re in with a good chance. I have a phone number for the event but no named contact – 01335 344596 or you could contact the local pub the Okeover Arms on 01335 350305 who are also involved. I expect you’ll need to pop in there to warm up afterwards! Well done for wanting to take part – without people like you all these events would die out. It sounds great fun if a little chilly! Let me know how you get on with your application – fingers crossed!
Apparently and thanks to John Roper for this, this is moving to Easter Monday according to Derby Telegraph http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/custom-contrived-mapleton-bridge-jump/