Dance

This is the time of year for summer festivals in this part of the world.  These have their origins in times past where it was necessary to gather together to ride out and restate the boundaries of the town.  They have all expanded beyond this simple act of marking out territory.

Most last about a week with the rideout only one of the highlights.  The various events are graced by a lead figure who comes under a number of titles - cornet seems one.  In West Linton, he (and it is always a he) is called the Whipman.

Events during Whipman week include a fancy dress parade which works its way through the village, cycle races, a sports afternoon and a wheelbarrow race through the ford and you might be able to imagine the merry japes around that.  It is an opportunity for many to return to the village and meet up with old friends, recount old adventures and catch up with various bits of news.

We attended the ex-Whipman dinner and dance held in the Whipman marquee and met up with lots of folk.  It was a very jolly affair and this dad did dance.