BS: Bampton in the Bush

Subject: Bampton in the Bush
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 10:12 AM

A true tale - only the name of the writer and his spouse have been changed to protect the guilty...

On the way back from the big smoke last week Mrs G and I decided to tootle back along the rural bywaters of the Vale of the White Horse and the Cotswolds. Nearing time for evening replenishment we decided to pull into the nearest hostelry to determine if pleasant accomodation and fine fare was to be had.

What a pleasant surprise when we discovered that the Inn, The Elephant and Castle at Bampton, did indeed have pleasant, and very competitively priced I may add, accomodation. They did not purvey victuals but directed us to another similary licensed premise, the Romany, where we may partake of light refreshment and a glass or two of lemonade.

Having completed our repast we discussed with the Landlord the many photographs of Morris Dancers in his fine hostelry and he was proud to inform us that the Morris team had long connections with the pub. The sun shone on the light stonework of the village. The 13th century church spire glistened in the dying rays of the evening sun and all was at peace when we took our evening constitutional.

Chancing upon yet another tavern we were more than tempted to call in, as the day had been long and our thirsts not yet quenched. Yet another traditional Inn, the Horshoe, lay before us and as we entered an eerie feeling of Deja-vú crept over me as we began to discuss the pictures of Morris dancers on the walls and how proud the Innkeeper was to have the team associated with his premises.

Part way through our real-ale shandies we were invited to view Aunt Sally. Upon being escorted through the rear door of the premises we were interested, and perhaps a little disturbed, to find two teams of men hurling sticks, some 2' in length and 3" in diameter, at a small white vase like object balanced on a steel pole some 10 yards distant.

"Oh, how quaint" quoth Mrs. G.

"Bugger this for a game of soldiers" says I, furtively looking round for evidence of the Wicker Man.

Having made our escape from the Horseshoe, the village street had taken on a sinister veil. Hurrying to the sanctuary of our room it became apparant that some of the cosy Cotswold cottages were dishevilled and seemed derelict. Yet dim lights still burned behind the grimey lace at the windows. The ancient Yews in the graveyard had turned to inky demons against the moonless sky.

With some urgency we retreated to our room in the outbuilding behind the Alehouse. Mrs G, somewhat overwrought by the strain repaired to our bed while I, being somewhat agitated and unable to sleep, decided to partake in a glass of some fine liquor and discuss with mine host the strange events of the evening. Imagine my consternation when I noticed for the first time the pictures of Morris dancers on the wall...

"Bampton Traditional Morris" beamed the Landlady. "They have always used this pub. My husband used to dance with them"

She then accepted a bag of runner beans, from a local stood at the bar, in payment for a pint of bitter. I sidled out of the room before I was enlisted into the ways of village life and forced to dance Morris forever more.

I trust you will be pleased to hear that all ended well. In the morning the sun shone once more but a long conversation with Geoff and Pat, mine hosts, resulted in the strangest coincidence of all. It turned out that some years ago they had stayed near us with some members of the Rumworth Morris of Bolton. On closer enquiry it turned out they had stopped with our close friends, Ged and Sue, from Westhoughton, with whom I help run Swinton Folk Club!

I will of course visit Bampton once more as it is such a lovely place. But I shall keep my door firmly locked and if anyone as much as jingles a bell at me......

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 11:21 AM

Lovely, lovely. When do you back to investigate and write the novel?!! THANK YOU!!!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 12:43 PM

Whatever you do don't go near those BORDER counties between England and Wales, those Border Morris types are sure to get you. JohnB (Orange Peel Morris, a Border side just in case you had any doubt's)

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: Gareth
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 02:21 PM

Ahhh! It's nice to see that old time religion survives in the lost lands.

Garydd ap (continue for several hunderd ancestors)

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 03:50 PM

Thanks Kat - not for a while I think. I need my nerves to recover first. I am rather looking forward to returning but I think my first novel may be about Eyam in Derbyshire. Now there IS a strange place;-)

I've seen those Witchmen, John B, and need no encouragement to keep away. Although I was known to don black tatters and dance Brimfield occasionaly in my youth. But I never knew the words to Fanny Frail;-)

Cheers Garydd ap (so on and so forth). Dunno about the old religion surviving only in the lost lands - you should see Salford at chucking out times!

Cymru am Beth (Sorry about the spelling if it's wrong but I know you lot only do it to confuse the English)

Dafyd ap Anatoli Zaharich

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: Gareth
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 04:40 PM

Is not Salford part of the lands lost to the Saxon and Dane ? :-}

Garydd

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: Manitas
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 05:51 PM

Lands between England and Wales? Barry Island? Lundy?

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: Marymac90
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 06:01 PM

Don't know about your Salford, but Philly Folk Fest takes place in Upper Salford Township, and you should see the strange types that parade around there!!!!!

Marymac

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 06:19 AM

Q: Why are all North Western Clog sides based in the South East?

Subject: RE: BS: Bampton in the Bush
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 12:37 PM

A: They are not all based in the Southeast. There are the Belles of York, from Toronto in the North Eastern side of North America. OK so it is in the South Eastern Part of Ontario. Which Country are we talking about anyhow. Anyhow Clog sides are no problem 'cos they can't creep up on you. JohnB