FOLK ACTIVITIES & LINKS
Each year I am priviledged to be invited to participate in traditional
folk customs that happen around the country.
THE CUTTY WREN custom happens in the small village of Middleton,
near Leiston, Suffolk every Boxing Day night. In 1994 I told the people
setting up the Old Glory molly dancers, and the landlord of the Middleton
Bell pub that I had read in a book by George Ewart Evans (sorry, I cannot
remember which one) how the custom had survived in that village within
living memory, in the early 1900s. This was unusual, since it is only usualy
connected to the more Celtic parts of Britain, and as far as I know is
the only survival in England. The upshot was that the custom was revived,
with a torchlight procession, dances and songs that attract around 150
people each year. I carry the carved wren (unlike the real ones of old)
on a garlanded pole, tell the story of how he became the king of the birds
and help sing the songs associated with the custom. OLD
GLORY dance the East Anglian molly dance in blackened faces, bows
of green and black ribbons and are led by a Lord & Lady, the lady being
a traditional man/woman. Whilst the dance side is all male, the large band
is all female. For a fuller exploration of the Cutty Wren click here.
A week or two later the WHITTLESEY STRAW BEAR festival happens
near Peterborough. It is great fun so check out their website link below
for details.
MAYDAY morning I used to be seen at Beacon Cliff, Felixstowe,
Suffolk to help East Suffolk Morris dance up the sun. Each year I was their
Green Man, an honour which involved disguising myself as a large bush!
However, I personally believe it should be done by someone relatively young
and fit, so I have passed the responsibility on now. Morris sides all over
England dance up the Mayday sun, and it really is worth getting up to be
there for 5.15am! Afterwards they all troop off to the Ferry Cafe for a
big fry up and a sing. Thanks to them for putting up with us at 6.30am
once a year. It really feelt good being the Green Man, and I sometimes
say it is where my Pagan beliefs (see menu) and folk interests meet.
Below are some green man photos I took at Norwich Cathedral in Norfolk.
For some more information on Green Man, check out
Jack in the Green and
At the Edge.Mike
Harding Clive
Hicks and East Anglian
Green Man site.
I am also very interested in Black
Shuck the East Anglian devil dog.
Hot Links
EAST ANGLIA
NATIONAL
My thanks to everyone who have provided some brilliant sites to link to.
One day learned professors will lecture on the oral tradition being augmented
by the cyberfolky tradition!
If you find a duff link please can you let me know.
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return to my music page click here
Updated 24/01/06