On the farm and St Helena Morris

Last day of school holidays today…I was in the Market once again to sell jewellery during the morning. In the afternoon we accompanied Nick on a pastoral visit to Bluehill – quite a far drive, and then an extensive hike up the grassy driveway, dodging cowpats and other leavings on the way. Had a lovely visit with Harold and Enid who have not been able to attend service much since Enid was laid low by a heifer during calving. We took a slow drive home, stopping at Thompson’s Wood for a quick walk through said wood. The boys opted to stay in the car as they were already tired from running around at the farm. Nick and I came across this curious structure tucked away in the greenery – may possibly have been used as a look-out point way back when? Picked a few wild strawberries on the way home too...

In the evening we attended a League of Friends “Evening of Music and Dance” which featured authentic traditional British Morris dancing – I have never seen or heard of this form of dance but it was most enjoyable. Dancers wear bells and ribbons, and wave handkerchiefs, hop over old clay pipes, bash sticks together and so on. The Ladies’ Orchestra (featuring three men) provided the music, and the Palm Villa choir sang a selection of Gilbert and Sullivan pieces. Caleb found one of the bells on the floor, so bold as brass in the middle of the performance (granted, it was a very informal evening), he addressed the leader to try return it…Simon quickly spun a yarn, forming a brand-new ancient tradition that any found bells must be kept under the pillow, and the finder will one day become a Morris dancer. Of course Caleb was not reeled in, but did bring the bell home…and put it on his dresser!