As the first sunrise of the summer comes up over the horizon
to gently touch on Laxton’s ancient fields and hedgerows, the most wonderful
place to watch is from the small hill that is the remains of the village’s old
motte and bailey castle. And who better
to enjoy that with than the local morris side, Rattlejag, and their friends and
supporters, who arrive there from around 5.20am every 1st May to
dance and sing in the May Day dawn. And
they give a warm welcome to anyone who wants to share that magical moment with
them and will even provide a barbecued breakfast buttie and beer – or hot tea –
after the revels in return for a small donation. It must be a special time, as many people
have been returning to rural Laxton, Notts, for this early morning celebration for many years
over the 30 and more it has been happening, so it has become an established
local tradition now. Find the site by
going up Hill Lane opposite the church (NG22 ONX) and across the field – do come
in warm and sturdy clothing. Rosemary
Fabian, the side’s “squire”, says “we will all be there whatever the weather,
so come and join us.” Rattlejag have
further information available through their website www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk or you
can contact Jayne on 01522 703510.
And if you are interested in the amazing history of Laxton,
in rural Nottinghamshire, or in wildlife and rambling, then you can also join
Rattlejag’s event as part of the Dawn Chorus Walk organised separately by
Stuart Rose, the expert on Laxton’s history and farming. Walkers visit all three Anglo-Saxon fields to
identify the birds who are also ‘up with the lark’. This begins at 5.00am at the Visitor Centre by the
Dovecote Inn – contact Stuart on 07939
228353 or check out www.laxtonnotts.org.uk/Guided_walks.htm.
Via Rattlejag Morris
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