In The Beginning...

The Caerleon Chariot Race was brought about by accident in 1987 by the M.N.C. (Monday Night Club), a group of business men who regularly met an a Monday evening at the Bull Inn, High Street. Things got out of hand when one member, in drink, jokingly challenged another (also a little the worse for wear) to a Ben Hur style race around Caerleon. The two were spurred on by the rest of the membership, and one thing led to another. Eventually, much to the delight of the clientele of the Bull Inn, the challenge was taken up by all the membership.

The next day it was the talking point of the village, people were calling in at the respective business premises, asking when the race was to take place. A few days later, the police called on each of the members, to find out if they intended using real horses, as they had been informed.

The following Monday evening, it was decided by the Chairman (Les Gallagher), that everyone was at fault with the exception of himself; and in order to save face, a race of some sort had to take place. As Doug Burnell Higgs had been standing next to him at the time, he was given the job of organising it. Help came from all sides, and the race was on.

Footnote:
Three names will crop up regularly in this 'story'-
Doug Burnell Higgs - Proprietor of The Magic Lantern, Cross Street. (Now The Bagan)
Giani Zanotti - Proprietor of The Bakery, Backhall Street
Peter Bevan - Proprietor of Superfruiterer, Cross Street (Now Floralia)
The retelling may have a certain bias, as most of the information and photos have come from Doug!

Poster calling for other teams to enter along with:

Superius Fruiterius
Angellus Bullgarius
Magicus Lanticus
Villagius Bakarius
Hanbrarius