Notes from St Mary’s Church
Rushbearing 2025
“Rushbearing – what on earth is that?” I remember thinking the first time I heard it referred to. However, it was clear from the conversations I overheard that, whatever it is, it’s a big deal at St Mary’s. And, as I’ve discovered since, quite rightly so.
A quick google tells me that it’s an old English festival where rushes (a type of plant) are collected, carried to a church, and spread on the floor. The tradition dates back to a time when church floors were often made of beaten earth or flagstones, and the rushes provided insulation and cleanliness. The festival often involves a decorated cart, music, dancing, and other ‘revelry’.
Well, that sounds fun I thought. So, having attended St Mary’s for a number of years, it was about time that I kept the diary free to get myself to my first ever Rushbearing – and it didn’t disappoint.
Admittedly, the weather helped. This year we were treated to a glorious, warm sunny day. In fact, dare I say it – too hot at times! Parading through the village and collecting rushes adorned with beautiful flowers also brought with it such a warm feeling of community.
A key part of the festivities that took part in the centre of the village involved the crowning of this year’s Rushbearing Queen and King, Poppy and Oliver, undertaken by Kathleen Wilkinson who herself was a former Rushbearing Queen back in 1953. Poppy and Oliver did a fantastic job – as did former Rushbearing King, Freddie, who proudly rung a bell to lead the procession and direct us back down the hill to church.
There a short service took place, featuring rush waving to ‘primary school bangers’, plus we all had chance to appreciate, as ever, the beautiful setting inside the church. Whilst no rushes were placed on the floor like in olden times, the flower fairies had been hard at work dressing the church in beautiful blooms and rushes to celebrate the occasion.
Then to follow, the church staple to follow all important events – an impressive spread of teas, coffees, homemade cakes and savoury nibbles for everybody to tuck into. I’m told the Pork Pies were extra special!
As I ‘rushed’ around the event (sorry, couldn’t resist) taking photos for the Benefice Facebook account, I was struck by what a gentle, yet, uplifting event it was. Many attended, yet it didn’t feel chaotic. And long-standing traditions were upheld, but the celebrations still felt informal.
This year wasn’t just my first ever Rushbearing – it was Rev Nick’s too. Not that you’d have noticed, he executed the day’s formalities as expertly as ever and radiated excitement for the special day and everything it symbolised.
But what does Rushbearing symbolise? Well, I now understand that it’s a celebration of renewal and a fresh start. Not just in terms of the addition of new rushes for cleanliness and insulation, but also the continued dedication of the church. What a wonderful reason to get together – I now appreciate why it’s such an important date in the St Mary’s calendar.