St Pouder's Day

 April 13th is St Pouder's Day.

A day of celebration for Carromers worldwide, the event marks the birth of the game's patron saint, whose influence across the four corners of the board marks a fundamental moment in our culture.

St Pouder is credited with preaching the Word of the Wood to the lame, the poor and the gameless and to driving weasels out of Ireland. Denounced by bishops and forced into exile, in 1598 he pilgrimed to The Himalayas where, in Wu Tang Temple, under the guidance of Ka Ma and Tripitaka, he would rebound one hundred times a day.

After three years of asceticism, he travelled on the cow of seven hooves to India. It was there, in Pune, that he met Guru Babu. This was the game-changer. Babu ran a lumber yard, smoked tons of cooncil and was connected with known Carrom Lords.

There and then the game, as we know it, began to flourish. And saw boards built in beech, birch, rosewood and even with oak frame. Artisans converged. Patrons contributed. Mavericks experimented with slate, copper and glass. It was a Fin de Ciecle carrom bloom.

Presently, St Pouder's Day is an institution. A day when Carromers raise a glass to yer man; gather round boards; do a bunch of hail-hailing and sing Into The Mystic. 

This year's event falls on the same date as a Linen 1906 Meet. 

Revellers can look forward to the Parade of Strikers; the Board Floats, the Roller Derby Queens and, of course, The Powder Ceremony.

Into The Mystic