Tradition has it that
Little Egypt's Boxing Day divides into 4 unequal parts:
- The Mustering at the Sign of the Squire
- The Dancing at the Sign of the Black Lion
- The Mumming at the Sign of the Cross of St George
- The Going Ahead at the Sign of the Cross-Dressing Morris
Some would add to that a fifth part, The State of Easy Forgetfulness, but, for the moment, we won't go there.
Boxing Day 2007 Index
"The Mustering" always happens in response to a summons from The Squire, and so it was this year:
You are all welcome at The Shunters on Boxing Day morning from 11.00 onwards to enjoy a glass or 10 of this Country`s finest ales
and of course a warming glass of Mullered Wine.
And so it was that the gallant crew assembled at "Dundieting", the Squire's bijou rural retreat.
The Bagman writes:
[We assembled] "...for limbering up, preliminary training and detailed practice outside the
"New Shunter's Arms". Light refreshments from Woodfordes Brewery were on hand in case any men felt dehydrated by the warm
up process. Carol provided some delicious food from "Carol's Kitchen". On this particular day the men are encouraged to
add a little festive decoration to their hats. Squire was the clear runaway winner with a beautifully modelled dovecote
attached to his."
As will be seen from the pictures, all the great and the good were there, good fun and good cheer was present in great quantities, and toasts, many and varied, finishing with "Absent Friends", were gleefully proposed, seconded and agreed nem con.
- Morris Index
- Glemsford - The Village
Then, when all is deemed ready, but only at the approved signal from The Squire, the assembled company Process in Appropriate Manner to the next stage of the day's proceedings.
