Happy New Mummers!
Mummers’ supremo Ian Gilchrist made the brave decision to defy the impending black clouds over Widcombe on New Year’s Day, but had some misgivings as the merry band of Wobblers and performers set off for Widcombe Manor – the most spectacular performance venue on the mummers’ itinerary, its setting lending an extra dimension impossible to achieve in the restricted confines of St Matthew’s Church.
There in the presence of Councillor Cherry Beath, The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, the large crowd was treated to some vintage mummery: part serious tradition, part panto, and all good fun, with the literary skills of Gilchrist and Barrett providing a zingy script extolling the virtues of Widcombe Parade’s about-to-be-realised cafe culture. Even the most egregious puns were groaningly accepted by an enthusiastic audience, who after all know now what to expect.
Collection buckets were rattled before the players processed to the further venues at Prior Park Garden Centre and Widcombe Parade. About £350 was raised for the upkeep of St Matthews Church – and a great day had by all.