Have a great May Day 2003

Subject: Have a great May Day 2003
From: alanww
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:03 AM

What is everyone doing on May Day?

I shall be dancing (or rather playing the tune of) Morning Star for the Shakespeare Morris Men by the banks of the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon at 5.20 am on May Day. Then we dance round the town prior to a full English breakfast at the 4 star White Swan Hotel, along with a couple of pints of beer. Just as the side has done for the last 40 years or so ...

Then at 6.30 pm in the evening we will be dancing next to the Offenham maypole, near Evesham, which is one of the tallest in the country, along with the Pebworth Morris Men, the Belle d'Vain Ladies Clogs and the local village maypole dancers. Then at the Offenham Ferry Inn a bit later on I plan to drink a few beers and to sing the song Staines Morris ...

"Come ye young men, come along, with your music, dance and song
Bring your lasses in your hands, for 'tis that which love commands.
Then to the Maypole haste away, for 'tis now our holiday.
Then to the Maypole haste away, for 'tis now our holiday."

Alan
PS then its a quick recovery for the Upton-on-Severn Folk Festival the next day ...

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: red max
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:16 AM

We've managed to lure a puritan police sergeant onto our island, and he's currently searching for a lost girl. All being well, after our usual procession we'll burn him at sunset. I hope so, anyway, as I got several splinters helping to build that wicker man

Hail Nuada!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: songs2play
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:20 AM

X-Men 2 - 'Nuff said.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:37 AM

Sounds great! Cross the pond, we will be driving the approximately four hours it takes over Douglas Pass in Colorado to go visit my dad who will be turning 86 later in the week. Somehow I don't think I'll see any sides nor "oss, oss, wee oss" in Utah.:-(

Merry Beltaine to you and yours!

kat

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: GUEST,rob wright
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:43 AM

We Taggart and Wright are on tour in Scotland taking in May 1st Aberfeldy, May 2nd Stonehaven, May 4th Edinburgh, May 5th Glenfarg.

Now thats what I call celebrating.

WWW.sky-web.net/taggartandwright/ for more details

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 11:40 AM

Nothing exciting in our neck of the woods.
We have our local elections, Boring!

I might go and see our local Morris Side cavorting - somewhere near a licensed premises no doubt!

Dave R.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: kendall
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 11:58 AM

I'll probably still be recovering from diverticulitis.

My grand daughter was born on May 1st. She is of course, very special. Published author at 14, outstanding poetess. Not just my opinion, Tom Paxton says so too.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Amos
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 12:09 PM

Kendall:

Congratulations on your grandaugh6ter's birthday!!

You gonna post some of her stuff? If it's good enough for Mister Paxton, it's good enough for Mudcat, ja?

A

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Alba
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 01:05 PM

Beltane Blessings to all.
Along with a heartfelt wish for Compassion and Peace to flow through the Earth and gently touch each one of us.


Kendall:
Would love to read some of your Talented Grand Daughter's works.14 and published, now that is Special.. Way to Go.
How come Tom Paxton can get to see it and we can't LOL :>)
Happy Birth Day to the Young Yin.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: LesB
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 01:58 PM

Up just before dawn, into Southport town centre to dance with the Southport Swords. And then into the Scarisbrick Hotel, when their Beer Fest starts at 6am! for a pint & a free bacon buttie. Then off to work!

Cheers

Les

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 02:13 PM

I won't make it to the dawn dance on Pack Monadnock Mtn this year, as I have to haul 2 teenagers off to school, but I will be attending a Beltane-eve bonfire and potluck for much singing and friendship.
It's now 25 years since I visited Padstow for May day. That's hard for me to get my head around...

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: GUEST,Desdemona
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 02:16 PM

I'm in Massachusetts, and am planning to attend the Charles River May Day Festival in Cambridge, which should be fun.

That said: Alanww, you are having the May Day I'm *wishing* for; I know that area very well, and envy you past expression. Have a blast, and a Happy May to all!

D.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: alanww
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 04:36 PM

Thanks for your good wishes, Desdemona. I hope you have a brilliant day too ...

"Come fill up your glasses and let us be merry!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: kendall
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 07:34 PM

I'll see if I am smart enough to get one of her poems from my documents to the forum.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: kendall
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 08:29 PM

LITTLE GIRL
                by Meghan Roewer


I saw the eyes of an old woman
in the face of a child.
It was experienced and knew much
Though tender, pained and mild.

I saw the posture of a weakened woman
In a body that had known a sad childhood
She carried herself with meaning
Following orders without thinking if she should.

I saw the strenght of a warrior
In a heart that knew only to survive.
It brought itself to face each day
And yet, was barely alive.

I saw the spirit of an aged soldier
Inside the lost soul of a mere baby.
It had fought many battles
Now, it was crying "Save me."

I saw a little girl
who had grown up too fast.
She had already lived her life
Though she barely had a past.
I saw all this
and it broke my heart to see.
Then, I looked a little closer
And saw that little girl was me.

She had been mistreated by her no good father who is very lucky I didn't know about it before my daughter kicked him out.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: GUEST,Keith A o Hertford
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:39 AM

The Standon Men will dance up the sun in, err Standon Hertfordshire

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:45 AM

Every year I have all good intentions of joining the 'crowd' at Katherine's Cross in Ampthill where Redbornestoke Morris will be dancing in the dawn, followed by an early pint & breakfast before going to work. Will I get there this year?.....

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: John J
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:50 AM

Anything on at Alderley Edge, Cheshire?

John

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: DMcG
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:52 AM

Well, we have just had our annual warning that we are potential target of May-Day protests, and are advised:

(a) Postpone any high profile meetings.
(b) Park any executive cars and any other vehicles destined to be parked above ground, below ground if possible.
(c) Ensure that all CCTV apparatus is on line and serviceable.
(d) Ensure that any waste material, skips, dustbins, cigarette bins outside of entrances are removed to minimise their use as missiles or material for missiles and subsequent damage.
(e) Alert all staff to the events of the day and it would be appropriate to limit the time personnel spend outside, etc.

Happy May Day to you all!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: MudGuard
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:57 AM

DMcG, what place are you working that you are in such a danger? Tax service? ;-)


I will spend May Day in a train and get myself moved into bicycling distance to the Groningen Euro-MudGathering...

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 08:40 AM

In Hexham, Northumberland, England, local Morris teams will dance in the town's central park at sunrise (About 5.25am BST.)

The hardy (or the foolhardy) are welcome to come along and support us.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 08:44 AM

Brandon Hill Bristol UK fro dawn, then back to work in Reading for 0830!!!!

Sleeeppppp Draw on sweet night - quixckly.

happy may day to all!

A

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Peg
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 09:06 AM

I hope to get to May Day on the Charles, too (if I can get myself out of bed). I have been keeping weird hours lately (going to bed at 3 or 4 am, up at 11). Today I was up at 7:15 though! still getting up at 5 am will be tricky. I am staying at a friend's house who lives a short walk from Harvard Square.

I haven't been in years; it's kinda lame, but my friends usually go for breakfast afterwards at S&S Deli!

I will be missing my coven's big festival this weekend as I will be in New York City visiting a friend and attending a big artsy party in the meatpacking district...

Happy Beltane one and all!

Hey red max; cute but coulda been more subtle...I might invite friends over to watch The Wicker Man tomorrow night!


Peg

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: AggieD
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:48 PM

At Ampthill Park with Redbornstoke (5:20am), playing for Bedfordshire Lace Morris, then onto the Queens Head, Saturday we are all off to Rochester to dance.

If you make it out MGAS, then come over & say hello to me, I'm the female musician for Beds Lace.

Have a great day everyone.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: GUEST,ritchie
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:56 PM

There is a big music festival 'hitting the streets of tyneside' over the whole weekend. 'from blues to dance,roots to rock,the evolution begins here....' I'm personally looking forward to seeing Gregory Isaacs at the outdoor festival on the quayside ...hope the weather and music is fine where ever you are.

love peace & happiness.

ritchie

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 01:57 PM

I'll be singing "Happy Birthday to me!" Unfortunately, no Morris dancing to be had for many a mile, *snf*.

However, my cohousing neighborhood will be having a delayed celebration on Friday evening, though, with some semi-traditional Maypoling and whatnot. I couldn't get my son and his buddy (8 and 9) as inspired as I was at the idea of a sort of Morris stick dance done with their wooden swords. Maybe next year. I'll see if we can get everyone dancing the Sweets of May, instead.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 04:02 PM

Kendall, thank you for Meghan's poem, bravely written. Here's one of mine for her- and for any who may need it:

          MAY DAY DAY (a song, really)

Cold and dark the winter- in March it snows again;
Through the rains of April, spring comes stealin in...
Smilin o'er the meadows in the rising light of day,
Beauty is reborn again, every first of May

Chorus: (For when I'm ) walkin with my darlin on a May Day Day,
         Walkin with my darlin on a May Day Day,
         O there's nothin much a'doin and there's little for to say-
         But, O my heart is happy on a May Day Day!

Folks are cold and distant- the world's about to freeze;
Never has this world seen harder times that these.
Suffering world, forgive me, and grant me just a day-
I cannot help but hope again, every first of May...

(For when I'm) walkin with my darlin on a May Day Day,
          Walkin with my darlin on a May Day Day,
          O there's nothin much a'doin and there's litle for to say-
          But, O my heart is happy on a May Day Day!
         
          (© Jean Ritchie 1964, 1971 Geordie Music Pub. Co)

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:09 PM

I'll celebrate May 3, DERBY DAY!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Felipa
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 07:30 PM

Regarding the connection between May Day and organised labour,see this Guardian May Day special - note this site also has links to articles about folky stuff such as Morris Dancing

see also
http://www.mayweek.ab.ca/

useful summary of May Day heritage from pagan roots to trade unionism

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 10:30 PM

DMcG, stay safe! I, too, am curious about where you are that such things would be threatened!

Kendall, that is stunning. Thanks so much for sharing it. You've good reason to be proud.

Jean, a beautiful song...brings Spring to my heart! Thanks!

Here it is a day earlier than I'd thought! I was all set for Friday being May Day. Don't know what happened to my calendar.;->

kat

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Little Robyn
Date: 01 May 03 - 12:21 AM

May 3 is Pete Seeger's birthday!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 May 03 - 03:01 AM

I hope all those who danced the May in had better weather than we have here. I had to go get milk at 7am and it was positively tipping down.Happy May Day.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 May 03 - 03:41 AM

Failed again - another year we've missed the Maying in Ampthill (catch you another time AggieD)! Hope everyone had a brill morning :-)

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY DESERT DANCER**

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:29 AM

Nice Morning in Bristol but brass monkeys temperature but well it is only may. We played and danced and after getting up at 0300 I was at my desk back in REading by 0845!

May hugs to all.

A

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Hawker
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:53 AM

I'm off to Padstow later, see you in the ring o bells this evening!
Cheers,
Lucy

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:56 AM

Thank you so much, Jean. I'm going to print that and give it to her as a second birthday gift.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:00 AM

Hey Hawker - give Breezy a May Hug from me - you'll recongnise him - busking, probably in shorts with very brown knees!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: DMcG
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:14 AM

Ok, I'll come clean! Its not really what I do that has the risk - although it is a quasi-goverment office - its the location. I am just off the Strand in London, so almost every march in London is within a stones throw(!) of the office.


I was noticing on the way into work this morning which shops in the Strand have boarded up their windows as a precaution, and which hadn't. Starbucks, being a world famous example of cultural-imperialism, did not board its windows, but the Cornish pasty shop did. The camera shop, being full of high priced and resaleable items, did not board its windows, but an advertising office, whose windows contain nothing, did board up.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: alanww
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:16 AM

Just got back from dancing/playing at 05.20 to 07.45 in Stratford-upon-Avon and then a full English breakfast with 2 pints of beer. Magic!

"I like to rise when the sun she rises, early in the morning ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: AggieD
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:47 AM

Just got back onto the computer, had a great morning, & the sun rose again this year, so we must have done something right!

Great poems, Meghan's gave me a shiver up my spine I must admit.

Have a good dancing & singing summer all.

Next year May Day falls on a Saturday, so no excuses about having to go to work afterwards.

Angela

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: John J
Date: 01 May 03 - 07:48 AM

I was up just before sunrise but it was a bit cloudy / gloomy around North Cheshire, and as I'd not had any positive feedback regarding dancing in the area I waited until after sunrise (cloudrise?) and went back to bed.

Perhaps there'll be some action over the weekend.

John

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From:
Date: 01 May 03 - 07:51 AM

I was up at the crack of dawn , walking to an old hill fort (are there any new hill forts?)in Hampshire. Watching LOADS of hare's running about.

As this is the first day of summer the horizontal rain and freezing wind seemed about spot on (!).

But I had a lovely time doing my thing as the dawn came round. The rain stopped whilst I said my words, but came back for the coffee.

Hope you all have a merry May.

(I'd be interested in which shops actually get their windows put though).

Paul

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 May 03 - 04:23 PM

Well I DO work for the tax service, we got the same warnings and saw nothing all day until 6.30 this evening when a parade of Young Socialists came up Tottenham Court Road. We were informed by a police officer that 'it would be advisable if you remained in your building until they have passed'. We were eventually let out 30 mins later but the smarter dressed ones were advised to 'keep a low profile'. Because I'm a scruffy slob, I just blended in and went home.

All rather anticlimactic really.

LTS

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Peg
Date: 01 May 03 - 05:30 PM

I did not go to the thing on the Charles; I have deadlines looming and didn't think skimping on sleep was a good idea and besides the weather forecast was for rain! (which it did)

Good news is I cancelled my trip to NYC this weekend so will celebrate with my coven with a ritual and big feast afterwards! I will make a big bottle of May wine (add sweet woodruff to white wine)...and maybe a big fruit salad for the potluck.

I DID get up this morning to check out the weather and toddled outside in my jammies to wash my face in the dew! (which was rapidly becoming rain) Voila! I shall be beautiful for another year ;)
Then I went back to bed trying to retrieve a lovely dream I was having before the cats woke me...

Happy Beltane!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Leo Condie
Date: 01 May 03 - 06:49 PM

well I spent my may day (and scottish elections day!) singing "the internationale" along with dick gaughan in glasgow's numero uno commy folk club. beat that!

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Alba
Date: 01 May 03 - 07:31 PM

Leo that isn't fair. LOL. You lucky guy..what a May Day you had.
Now Im Home sick:>(
A

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Desdemona
Date: 01 May 03 - 08:14 PM

Well, I got up at 3.45 & picked up my chums to drive to Cambridge; it was cold & cloudy-ish (which figures after the winter we've had), but we had some music & some laughs & were back on our way before it started raining in earnest. Hopefully the earth has been adequately awakened & was in the mood for a drink (I know *I* was; finally having one now!).

"And I like to hear them small birds singing
Merrily upon their laylums...."

D.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Musicman
Date: 01 May 03 - 08:24 PM

ok.. so someone sent me this may day greeting.....


" I wish i was a glow worm...
A glow worm's never glum....
'Cause how can you be grummpy....
When the Sun Shines out your Bum!!!!"

happy may day everyone...

musicman....

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Leo Condie
Date: 02 May 03 - 05:32 AM

"Leo that isn't fair. LOL. You lucky guy..what a May Day you had.
Now Im Home sick:>("

aww sorry alba. if it makes you feel any better the socialists and the greens have just gained seats in the scottish parliament! imma doin a wee spot of celebrating.

Subject: RE: Have a great May Day 2003
From: Alba
Date: 02 May 03 - 07:14 AM

That News makes me feel a lot better Leo:>) Smile restored Thank you!