Sunday 7 June 2009

And the men wore bells!!!

Once the rain stopped yesterday we jumped in the car and drove to Thurgaton, a small village outside Nottingham, to catch up with the Gate to Southwell. This is an annual procession from Nottingham to Southwell by Morris Men, full details can be found here There is strong resemblance to a pub crawl as the dancers travel from village to village dancing outside pubs en route and sampling the beers on offer. Respite was offered by the WI at in the village hall in Bleasby where tea and scones were on offer.
On arrival at Southwell Minster, the Morris sides hand over the parish contributions for the building and upkeep of the Minster. These are the same amounts as originally handed over in 1109!!

Gate to Southwell 2009

We finished the day with a wander up to the folk festival site and just to include a touch of textile fun I bought a small set of weaving sticks to try out next week.

14 comments:

bikerted said...

What's this about the Dolphin trying to recruit Ian?

Guzzisue said...

they tried, they failed!!!!

Chris Gray said...

What fun! Morris AND Weaving Sticks!

They are a bit addictive though - so be warned......;-)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun! Looking forward to hearing how you get on with the weaving sticks - I've never tried them but they sound interesting!

Anonymous said...

Im not sure what is more English - Morris dancers drinking beer at the pub, or tea and Scones at the WI! i am interested to see your weaving sticks - Ive never heard of them.

Julie said...

Looks like a fun day out. I hope the rain didn't spoil it all. I've got some of those weaving sticks but I haven't tried them yet. It must have been a weekend for Morris, there was an event going on in Conwy and Llandudno this weekend.

Wanda said...

ha ha great fun!!! Looking forward to seeing weaving sticks!! Sounds very addicting!!

Gina said...

English eccenticity at it's best. In Wales there would be no need for the dancers, we would just have the pub crawl. LOl

Love and hugs Gina xxx

Melanie Gray Augustin said...

Looks like a fun festival! Especially all the beer sampling along the way.

peahen said...

Great to see a tradition revived and well done for supporting it. I'm curious about the weaving stick too!

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the weaving sticks, looking forward to seeing what weaving sticks are too!

laura_rose said...

Yes - weaving sticks?? Curiouser and curiouser! We have a similar festival here in Northern Tassie - incorporated into the St Pats Day festival at a local village - Westbury...Always understood it to be of Irish tradition so I have learned something new today :) And yes! I love Bucks! It has stalled and holidays have almost run out :( but I am looking forward to tackling your bookmark soon!

Guzzisue said...

weaving stick will feature very soon! Traditions like Morris dancing need to be kept alive as they are our link with the past but more recruits are needed, shame I have two left feet:-)

Jackie said...

I recognise Handsworth Rapper in your lovely mosaic.