Trotting in to say hello. I do hope everyone has been safe in all these storms we've been having of late and that you were able to enjoy a slice of that Saturday sunshine which was crammed in between the not so pleasant weather.
I couldn't believe my luck as I was at yet another wassail [that's my main form of entertainment in January these days😂, but this one was a Tudor one held at Michelham Priory over in East Sussex. As ever I took very few Morris photos as I really don't want to bore everyone to death, but this candid one did make me chuckle. Everyone patiently waiting to be sprayed with fire retardant before our fire dance that evening🔥[I drummed for that one....my anxiety levels skyrocketed at the prospect of it]. As our foreman wryly commented 'They were all very trusting. I could have been de-licing them for all they knew!'
We needed to be there an hour before the gates opened to the afternoon session for the children so I took a little wander around the beautiful grounds to settle my nerves [it was a new event for us so I didn't know what to expect]. That first glimpse of snowdrops is always a special moment for me and a reminder that the early beginnings of Spring are on the way.
Choosing to spend a goodly chunk of my spare time as I do means that I see all sorts. The lady accompanying the Mari Lwyd in its very fine fruit festooned cloak was sporting a very impressive and might I say beautifully embroidered codpiece under that cloak. I only know that now as I've seen somebody else's photos of it, but she was definitely keeping it under wraps when the children were about😁
As you might expect from this historical period there were plenty of people wafting about in Tudor costumes. The group below were dancers and I think were meant to depict Henry VIII and all of his six wives together at once. That's a happier outcome that the truth.
At the end when all of the audience had gone onto the orchard for the wassailing I volunteered to look after all our kit so that the others could go and join in. To be honest I was perfectly happy to just sit quietly in the courtyard having a bit of downtime whilst drinking a coffee and watching the world go by. With a stunning sunset like this to enjoy I definitely wasn't suffering from any FOMO😊 As darkness fell the evening visitors arrived and we commenced our second performance.
It was great fun, but took a lot of my energy so I was more than happy to spend yesterday pottering about at home. We amused ourself by following the WWII Ministry of Food's recipe for mock turkey. I don't think we would have fooled anyone, but, if like us, you are a big fan of stuffing then it's very tasty. There's still plenty left for us to another day and we'd definitely do it again. Would we bother with the faff of shaping it though? No
Speak soon.
Arilx
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That sounds brilliant! My old Blog friend Sarah also posted a video of her mum's Welsh chapel with TWO Mari Lwyds!
ReplyDeleteThe event sounds wonderful and how fortunate to have beautiful weather for it!x
That sunset was an amazing one. I can see why there was no FOMO. (I had to look that up, BTW). Thank you for another glimpse into your corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteA great candid snap of the dancers being fire-proofed - health and safety at all times!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have seen that fabulous lady's codpiece.
That stone fawn is adorable. xxx
You do get to see and do some really unusual and interesting places. I thought that there were no Morris dancers this far norf (unless you mean the local pub which has been blessed with the name) however, with a little tinter surfing I find there is one 'fairly local' - I might see what they get up too :)
ReplyDeleteAs ever I'm in awe and slightly envious of your dancing and the long history of traditions that it incorporates and all the links it generates. I love nate but grew to love the historical treasures in England such as you find and share. That pink sky is spectacular too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful event, although I too would have loved to see that lady's embroidered codpiece!
ReplyDeleteThe sunset is magnificent and the snowdrops are a sight for winter weary eyes! xxx P.S. I just realized I've visited Michelham Priory many, many years ago.