Our Samhain event turned out to be quite spectacular. The day started with us all being taught to make willow lanterns by artist, Becky. It was satisfying to know that all the lanterns made from our willow, grown on the field. If there are any willow lantern makers out there, please take note, we are open for business.
Creativity was then let loose; the basic lantern pattern re-interpreted in ever-increasing amounts.
After the making session was over, the lanterns were hung in the polytunnel to dry off and stiffen. A time for tea and cakes made by our talented cake making members.
Those who returned in the evening were greeted by the spectacle of their lanterns hanging from our barn roof. We all dined on a menu of soup, casserole and fruit crumble. Food that had been cooked up by our friends ‘Give Peas a Chance’ mainly from ingredients grown on the farm.
After a talk from our host for the event, Dr Barnaby King, we headed out to the darkness of the field to parade around with our lanterns.
The grand finale of the evening was a fiery hoopla display by Heather in front of our bonfire. Then, as usual, the guitars and ukuleles came out for a sing-song.
Our thanks go out to Edge Hill University, their staff and students, and our amazing members for making this spectacular event such a success. With our field so filled with growing willow, I am sure that this will be happening again.