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We'd hardly got our brains back into UK mode, after our Crusade to Carcassonne, than it was time for the
annual Summer Solstice celebrations at the
Queens Head Hawkedon. Once again we'd invited several other sides and this year those that turned up were Bury Fair, Green Dragon, the Haverhill Harlots and Westrefelda. They were all most welcome as it gave us more drinking time between dances. Some fine ales were as usual available at this peerless hostelry, but as hosts it was Little Egypt's responsibility to start proceedings, which we did with a rousing Vandals. Certain rituals were required to be performed, including " revealing the Straw Man's manhood" and "feeling the Straw Man's onions" (each part of the "All New 2008 Programme" - the rituals, not the onions). Then it was time for the procession to the bonfire. An earlier application of inflammable liquids did not help in the lighting of the pyre and several boxes of Swan Vestas were deployed before the flames finally made themselves known to the waiting crowd. Slowly, oh so slowly, the flames licked around the Straw Man's feet, his legs, his onions and carrot, until finally he was fully aflame. Another traditional day with the Morris. Another pint please, landlord ... |
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Several dances later the time was drawing near to official sunset time, 9.26 p.m. There had been periods of panic as the search for a virgin had been proving fruitless, but at the last moment not one but two certified and genuine virgins came forward to lead the traditional sacrifice of the Straw Man. |
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