The Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole is 86 feet tall, and is taken down, repainted and re-erected every three years. After our first visit there in 2011 we vowed to return this year, continuing our interest in customs, folklore and traditions. Although the Maypole is the main focal point, excitement is also provided by the crowning of a new May Queen and children dancing around smaller Maypoles ~ all of which takes place at an Iron-age hillfort. The day comes to a dramatic end when a local villager climbs up the pole and spins the fox-shaped weather vane, an act which is said to bring good luck to the village.
Before this, though, the pole is carried from its temporary resting place in Hall Tower Field
; a request was put out for volunteers to lift and carry the pole, and I leapt at the chance to be involved.
I had the heaviest part!
Off for a strong cup of tea and a lie down
Roll on 2017!