This year I took on extra responsibility in organizing the All Hallows Dark Gathering as Cassandra needed help when the managers of the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic informed us they were leaving. We worked closely with Simon Costin the owner informing and updating him on all arrangements.
Many people enjoy this event each year, but have no idea how much work goes into the organizing of it. As well as caring for the performers, Cassandra goes the ‘extra mile’ in caring for the community ensuring they know where to find accommodation and refreshments and also arranged with village residents a ‘park and ride’ scheme so disabled folk would find it easier to get to Boscastle. Cassandra has huge support from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, the Chamber of Commerce and other members of their local community.
When 2018 began, I sensed there would be significant changes in our lives and this has proved to be so.
At the Dark Gathering this year our special guest side was Wolfshead and Vixen Morris. It has been 15 years since I danced with them and I was excited to see them once again.
Image-Chris Hicks
The first dance performed by Wolfshead is known as ‘Four Seasons’. A person is often chosen to stand in the centre of the space while the men dance around them and I was delighted to be chosen by Melanie, Vixen’s Squire. It brought back fond memories of the last time this occurred outside the King Arthurs Arms Tintagel in 2001.
Later that afternoon, Melanie invited me to join them in performing my favourite dance Gemini. It’s a dance I have always remembered and one that Beltane Border Morris love to watch.
I had no time to practice with them, so they performed it once and invited me to join them a second time. As soon as the dance began, the fifteen years I had been apart from Vixen seemed to disappear and every move was performed as precisely then, as it had all those years ago.
Here is video footage of their dance and at the end, you hear them inviting me to join them for a repeat performance.
Thank you for the acknowledgements Laetitia. Your performance was truly awesome – no wonder there was a huge cheer at the end! 😀
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It was a dream come true 🙂 x
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Thank you on behalf of all the performers, the audiences and residents of Boscastle. Your initiatives continues to provide the highlight of the year for a great many people. Your hard work was certainly rewarded! Thanks again . Xxx
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Thank you John, so pleased that you and Sue are a part of it with your wonderful Maris. ❤ 🙂 x
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Wonderful! I’d no idea it was you in there! 😀 I go faceblind when you’re all in gear (which seems appropriate somehow so I just enjoy seeing all these amazing strangers appear to dance powerful, bewildering dances! xx
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It all happened so quickly Chris but it was wonderful to be with them again 🙂 x
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