Mrs D's Diary

I decided I would extend my cultural education a little and "take in" a few more events. My favourite September event has to be the Rushcart at Sowerby Bridge. The Maypole at Warley provides a good venue where the invisible clogs can be heard long before the great cart and its sweating team breast the hill.

Early September we had a lovely evening at Abbots Bromley. It really put some space between the day at work and real life. This also seems to me to be another of those 'living traditions' as the dancers move away from the viewing public outside 'olde worlde' black and white pubs in the square and disappear into the housing estates of the real community. That aside, however, I have to admit that what actually goes on in the middle of the village is a lively event and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Well worth a trip next year for anyone who can make it.

We also went to Traditions 2000 in Halifax. I think whoever managed to book the only sunny day in a very wet week did an amazing job, but that was only part of a really well planned event. I found it exhilarating to stand within the space of the Piece Hall (recently used in the film, Brassed Off) in a multi-cultural audience and watch top quality dancing from a variety of teams. The list included Handsworth, Rumworth, Bacup Coconutters, Flag Crackers, High Spen Blue Diamonds, Green Ginger Clog, Flag & Bone Gang and Nachhda Punjab.

What amazed me were the number of Asian spectators who watched Morris and Sword teams with interest, but left when the Punjab danced! Was it a case of, Oh it's them again, just as some folkies do when we see a local side on tour? Their dancing was superb and easily accessible to anyone familiar with Morris. This was a great climax to a great day out - if you missed it, rumour has it that a repeat is planned next year.

So what happens in the next few months? I will expect to see folks in large numbers at Kelham Island Christmas Market, usually a good place to pick up a few extra presents and stocking fillers, whilst being entertained by lots of our local performers. A chance for the whole family to have some time out together without the push and shove of town, and if you're lucky the chestnut man might even be there (a smell I always associate with Christmas).

Try not to miss the local Carolling events, especially the Festival of Carols at Cutler's Hall. Then there's Handsworth and Grenoside on Boxing Day (without which I wouldn't feel I had been truly frozen) and if you get organised it's possible to see both.

After that (Jan 2-6) I'm definitely looking forward to a trip to Ripponden to see the Long Company, who can be found after dark in the Sowerby Bridge/Millbank area. This group performs an amazingly violent yet strange Mummers play in evocative surroundings which has the hair standing up on the back of your neck. This is then followed by songs and tunes in the local hostelry.

If nothing else that should give me lots of excuses for some warming refreshments. Maybe I'll see you there.