11:09:07
On the train on the way there I read Country Life, which seemed fitting for a jaunt out into the country.12:08:19
...and there was an article about bespoke suits. "You probably won't want to wear a tweed suit in the City (except on a Friday, when it's acceptable if heading off to your country estate for the weekend)".14:27:10
On arrival in Leominster, the closest train station to Dilwyn, a town not wholly devoid of charm.15:43:38
My home for the night, Peel Cottage in Dilwyn.
15:51:19
The Crown Inn, the meeting place for the Wassail later, was conveniently just across the road.15:56:25
It was hard to imagine there would be hundreds of people descending on sleepy Dilwyn later this evening!16:23:53
Inside the cottage where I was staying. Christmas decoration still up (I think this is legitimate, it being twelfth night).16:24:03
18:51:28
...after relaxing in the cottage for a bit I went back outside again and suddenly the throngs had arrived! 18:52:26
I thought I would try and get some portraits of the Leominster Morris Men.18:54:15
More Morris Men.18:57:11
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Another portrait which came out reasonably well, the lighting was a bit challenging.19:20:51
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Lighting the torches.19:21:06
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The extra light helped a bit with the photos!19:21:56
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Quite a sight to behold all the attendees with their flaming torches.19:22:49
Morris Men with their torches.
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Was this chap posibly the squire?19:24:28
He was telling us a bit about the order of events for the evening.19:24:52
19:25:20
The side's apprentice.
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I think the crowd was heading off to the orchard at this point.19:26:09
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Headed to the orchard. Impressive to look down this country lane and see the line of flaming torches.
19:39:25
Tried to get myself in a photo, didn't really come out.19:44:22
In the orchard now.19:46:15
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I forget the significance of this big flaming torch, possibly a local tradition.19:56:58
Lighting the bonfires which surrounded the orchard.19:57:05
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Getting quite smokey now!19:58:41
20:00:10
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The Morris Men performing.
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Strange colours in this lighting.
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It was a wonderfully clear night and I saw lots of stars, but of course it was hopeless trying to take a photo.20:16:07
Maybe can see a few stars here?20:56:12
Back at the Crown Inn where the Morris Men performed a Mummers Play.
21:02:59
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...and then some dancing outside the pub.21:39:03
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Later on inside the Crown Inn where there was yet more music.23:02:35
A couple of last glimpses of Morris Men.23:02:41