Barwick Maypole Gala 1999
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Barwick Maypole Gala 1999
Barwicker No. 54
June 1999
When the Barwick maypole was successfully lowered on 5 April, it soon
became clear that all was not well. The top of the lower section of the pole
had rotted badly and would need replacing which. because of its size. would
be a difficult task. However. Barwick's intrepid trio - Derick Nichols, John
Leak and Tony Shinn - set out once more for Calders & Grandridge of
Boston. Lincolnshire, and were able to find a suitable replacement. Whilst the
pole was being treated detailed planning for the gala continued and the
newly-made garlands were successfully paraded around the houses of
Barwick and Scholes.
The price of the new section was high but the spirits of the committee were
lifted when the Barwick and Scholes Parish Council agreed to pay the cost in
full - a most generous act. The treated pole arrived and in the subsequent
week or two the committee worked long hours to smooth, splice (under the
expert guidance of Tony Shinn) and paint the pole in preparation for its
rearing on I June. Thankfully there was no repetition of the vandalism that
marred the proceedings three years ago.
Fortunately the day was dry and bright and the village was a joy to behold
thanks to the activities of the Barwick in Bloom Committee and the many
residents who had decorated their shops, houses and gardens. The procession
was led by the genial. blue-clad town crier. Peter Weatherill of the New Inn
(see front cover). and the Knottingley Brass Band. The Maypole Queen,
Elizabeth Boyes; the Maid of Honour, Michelle Jones: the Crown Bearer,
Ryan Brady; and the Equerries. Chris Flynn and Scott Tedder, paraded
through the village. followed by the majorettes and the schoolchildren in
brightly decorated trailers. Traditionally the garlands were displayed in the
horse-drawn cart from Lotherton Hall.
In Hall Tower Field, Elizabeth was crowned Maypole Queen by the Lady
Mayoress of Leeds. Mrs Lenny Parker. and she made the customary speech of
thanks in confident style. The schoolchildren, supported by the teachers from
Barwick Infants and Junior School. plaited the two small maypoles with
expertise gained by much hard practice, and the ladies of the Barwick Scottish
Country Dance Group performed with style and grace.
There was a large crowd of villagers and visitors and an air of expectancy
in the early evening when the hole near the war memorial was re-excavated
and the brightly painted and garlanded pole carried from Hall Tower Field.
With the help of David Wall, and his trusty laddermen, and the many
volunteers on the ropes. the pole was re-erected under the experienced
instruction of the polemaster, John Leak. The crowd responded with well-
deserved applause for him and all the other workers. when he handed over the
microphone to Derick Nichols, the Chairman of the Maypole Committee, at
the successful completion of the work.
It was good to see Stan Robshaw, the 'Father' of the Barwick Maypole
taking a keen interest in the proceedings. Also amongst the spectators were
several members of 'The Barwicker' mailing list, who had travelled from
distant parts to attend the gala. Despite the inevitable slow progress at times,
the crowd remained cheerful and well-behaved, and the duty policemen and
women could relax and enjoy the proceedings.
It was with excitement mixed with understandable anxiety that the crowd
watched David Crabtree, the maypole climber, ascend to the garlands and
detached the five ropes. Then, to huge encouragement, he climbed carefully
to the summit of the pole and span the fox weather vane before sliding
triumphantly down into the welcoming arms of his friends below. It was a
fitting end to the customary raising ceremony and once more the Cross was
complete with its maypole, the symbol of Barwick pride.
Anon.
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