Paa Joe

Morning all. So we went to Paa Joe's finale at Clumber Park. The park is a haven of beauty in north Nottinghamshire, a place to find peace or mix with crowds. For many this is their slice of perfection. Paa Joe specialises in coffins.

The finale last night was the funeral party around the lion and his fabulous coffin. Creatures of another world swarmed around the festivities seeking to disrupt proceedings but the earth people, many with magnificent masks, were having none of it, their drums playing a constant beat that echoed around the park, their flags and banners unfurled with intent.

Eventually the coffin was set free across the Lake as white clad angelic figures awaited its arrival, their job to welcome the lion into the afterlife.

It was all rather moving and inspiring. We spend often so little time thinking of death out of fear and nonchalance no doubt, but Paa Joe's society dont take the passing lightly.

Paa Joe is a coffin maker by trade and has been since he was a youth. In his society it is an honourable and revered trade and you can see why when so much is placed on this ceremony.

My Grandad, the inspiration for On Ashover Hill, was a coffin maker. In truth he was a joiner and the only thing making him money was the death business. He fell into it and set up Saturday work for my brother and I.... That can wait for another blog. Sufficient to say, last night he was with me, as he usually is. My Guardian Angel, Eric King.

Peace, love & celebrations on death as well as life,

A

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