Hi,

The source of this question might only be familiar to UK Mudcatters of a particular age, however, the answer may be known by others.

Being on a nostalgia trip, I've been (re)reading the Just William books. These were written by Richmal Crompton. About 38 were written starting in 1922 (finishing ca. 1960ish), however, the William (who makes Dennis the Menace seem like Little Lord Faulteroy) and the Outlaws never age beyond 10/11 years old.

In the 8th book (1928), William joins some "Waits" and this teacher takes them "Waiting". This is obviously going around carolling door to door prior to christmas. I've never come across this term before. Is it an old term for carolling which has gone out of usage? Why "Waiting".

Just curious and it does make a change from some of the other threads which have been appearing (also it is musically and traditionally related!).

Cheers Rana