Claire and I spent an enjoyable weekend visiting my cousins Lesley and Rob in Padstow.
Our visit coincided with the world famous May Day ’Obby Oss’ celebration. Rob is a proud member of the Blue Ribbon Oss committee, he also plays the accordion in the band.
Our first experience of Padstow (after Lesley & Rob’s excellent hospitality of course) was a walk to the mouth of the Camel estuary.
The tide was out and we almost had the place to ourselves.
This is the view back towards Rock.
Busy Padstow harbour bristling with visiting boats.
The streets of Padstow are decked out with nautical flags.
And what Pagan based May festival would be complete without a May Pole?
The Blue Oss HQ
Here is Lesley and Rob in their full Obby Oss regalia playing in the band.
Oss Oss Wee Oss!
Rob with his very fetching head gear and obligatory pirate earring
They start them young in Padstow.
The Master of Ceremonies leads the Oss through the local Church.
At the end of the evening the Obby Oss goes away for another year; the crowd gathers at the Blue Oss HQ and sing the farewell song, the stillness of the night and the haunting sound of the lament carried by the collective voices were a real privilege to experience.
The May Day Obby Oss really has to be experienced to be understood and we certainly had a fantastic time over the weekend. We were really excited to meet so many members of our extended family for the first time including Rob’s daughter Jemima and her partnerÂ
Sean Hurlock who is also a photographer.
So I’ll leave you with the the last verse of the traditional day song;
Now fare you well and bid you good cheer,
For summer is acome unto day,
We call no more unto your house before another year
In the merry morning of May.
Paul
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One Comment
Brillant!! you captured the day just right. Brillant!!