I was a little anxious about this event. Given the large
numbers who attend our meetings, I wondered how everyone could be involved in
following instructions in the ancient craft skills using
rushes.
My concerns were swept away in moments. John’s lovely,
gentle manner had us all under his spell within moments. He had a long table at the front with piles
of rushes, completed examples of a wide range of articles and a glamorous,
though bearded, assistant, introduced to us as Kevin. He leapt into action at
intervals, in between making pieces, himself.
John paid credit to George Quayle who had taught him,
including many ancient legends associated with this craft. George’s book,
Legends of a Lifetime was recommended reading.
Traditionally, reeds were used for thatching spud butts,
stacks in the yard but not on houses. They were used to cover earth floors, in
houses, making bee skeps and are still used on the processional way at
Tynwald.
Another important use was in making rush lights as a
cheap alternative to candles. They might just be dipped in tallow or, better
still, a mixture of bees’ wax and tallow. All ingredients were found to hand and
did not involve any extra expense. We were showed how to strip off most of the
bark by pulling over the thumb as an anvil which prevented tearing. One strip
was left on to give some rigidity. The strips pulled off weren’t wasted but made
into rope.
Amongst the items we were shown were playthings such as
rattles, bumbee (Bumble Bee) cages, St Bridget Crosses, hot mats, egg cups and
goodness knows what else. Children used to weave a bumbee cage, leaving a hole
at one end. They caught a Bumble Bee on a flower and pushed it into the cage,
completed the cage trapping the insect inside. This was then used as a
rattle!
The tradition was that bumbees were fairies that had
been naughty and were changed into bees by the fairy captain, sentenced to
bumble around for the rest of their lives. However, when the children were
asleep, parents would release the bee, replacing it with stones to maintain the
rattle. In the morning, the children were told that the fairy captain had
released them as they had completed their punishment!
Following more delightful tales came refreshments
followed by practical sessions where we tried our hands at making various
articles. John, generously, gave a number of items to members who had birthdays
on particular dates. This was an amusing version of pantomime when sweets are
thrown into the audience,
We brought home an instruction sheet on making a bumbee
cage. I’ll have to have a go!
John and Kevin, thanks for a lovely
evening.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, 15th
February at 7.30 in the Centenary Centre. Ian Young will give a slide show on
his boat trips along the coast from Peel plus our brisk AGM. Not to be
missed!
