Sunday was quite bright but a little windy.
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| We could see the procession going through Millbank across the valley |
We walked over to Saw Hill in time to meet the Rushbearing there. The procession had left Cottonstones earlier and as we walked through Millbank we could hear the music and see a steady stream of people walking following the sounds.
Rushbearing dates back several centuries to the time when church floors consisted of little more than stone flags or beaten earth and rushes were used to cover the floor.
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| The top of the Rush Cart |
Over the course of the modern day festival weekend, stops are made at the local parish churches and token rushes are presented.
In deference to the old custom the cart also stops off at many local public houses, where the cart pullers can refresh themselves after their exertions.
We caught up with the cart at Saw Hill just as it was setting off again to make its way to Triangle and it's next stopping point at Triangle Cricket Club.
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| 'Ma' in the mummers play |
When we arrived there The Bradshaw Mummers put on a traditional play. This year it was about 'Old Barleycorn and the demon drink'
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| The mummers play |
There was entertainment from the Hebden Bridge Hill Millies
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| Longsword Dancing |
It was so sunny and warm in the valley.
I bought this years Rushbearing badge,
I don't have a hat to put it on though.
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| There is a fair maiden on to of the cart! |
Then after 50 minutes it was time for the 60 men in white shirts, black trousers, panama hats and traditional clogs to get into position
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| The last leg |
Now does anyone out there do cross stitch?
When cleaning out my fabric cupbourd at school I came across this-
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| Free to good home |
Let me know if anyone is interested.
ooooo we went to the rushbearing years ago. At the time we were members of a Viking Re-enactment society and had a very jolly and boozy day :)
ReplyDeleteTwiggy x
It looks like a wonderful day Lyn. It is nice to know that traditions are kept up. I do a bit of cross-stitch from time to time but I have so many unfinished cross-stitch projects that I daren't start another one! Lucy makes a great blog header by the way! x
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see that those old traditions are still important and being kept alive. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI have an unfinished cross-stitch that I must finish off one day......
Oh Lyn, I do love following your adventures! And I absolutely love the photo at the top of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to tell you that I'm having a giveaway, but the time ends tomorrow (Wednesday). If you'd like, please pop over to leave a comment to enter.
Take care,
Judy xxx
Looks like a fun day out :) I too have a unfinished cross stitch!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting some of these old customs are - glad you had such a good day for it too. Hope you find a good home for your cross stitch - I wouldn't have the patience myself but I'm sure someone will.
ReplyDeleteJane
PS What a lovely photo of your cat basking in the sunlight!
ReplyDeleteJ
Fascinating - it's good to see that there are old traditional customs taking place in some parts of our country. Love Kathy xxx
ReplyDeleteLove your new header.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as always, thanks for this peek into your life across the waters.
:-)
A very british affair - traditional but a bit mental! xxxx
ReplyDeleteLovely to see old traditions being kept and celebrated!!
ReplyDeleteI do like a bit of tradition, in fact I have a secret (or not so now) desire to Morris Dance. I agree with Diane though, British and a bit mental, which is why I love this country so!
ReplyDeleteBethx
Oh, sadly I have many half finished cross stitch patterns of my own so sadly can't help you there.
How lovely. I went to Saddleworth Rushbearing years ago.
ReplyDeleteLove Lucy at the top there!! Great pictures of a fab day, i liked the little cart. Sorry don't do cross stitch however i know a lady that does over at Julies Knitting Corner , will let her know!!! x x
ReplyDeleteWow !!! I wish I could have actually be there to experience the music and see the rushbearing in person. Old traditions are fun to be apart off. What a interesting day you had. Loved your photos!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous ! I've never heard of this & now I want to see it. What a wonderful tradition.
ReplyDeleteThe men at the end reminded me of Amish communities at a barn raising.
Thanks Lyn for the email, very helpful. Going to have a play around later see what i can come up with!!! x x
ReplyDeleteFunny
ReplyDeleteKiss to Lucy