Randwick Wap

This curious festival dates back to the Middle Ages and may have started when Randwick church was built. But apparently in 1892 the vicar took a dim view of all the rowdiness and the tradition was stopped until being revived in 1972 by the late Rev. Nial Morrisson. It is thanks to him and the very hard work of many local people that several thousand people have such a great day out each year.

However the proceedings all start much earlier than this Saturday: there is an election for Mayor and Queen in February open to all villagers who sign the Wap Poll Book. The results are announced in March on Princess Saturday by the Town Crier processing through the village. Then on the first Saturday in May three whole Gloucestershire cheeses are blessed then rolled around the church anti-clockwise by the Mayor, Queen and Vicar.

The Wap itself is the culmination of all these events and includes the Mayor being carried shoulder high to the mayors pool - accompanied by the "Mop Man" who clears the way with a wet mop. The Mayor then gets a ducking - doused with spring water before all sing the Mayor's song before returning up the hill for more cheese rolling. The procession is made up of Morris dancers, Mummers, a Wind band and many colourfull people plus hundreds of locals. See the links section for "Randwick Village Gateway" for photos and more info. The afternoon has performers and music, a children's disco and then more music in the Vine Tree pub.

For me the day started with helping the Cream Tea stall set up in Randwick school - it is surprisingly difficult to get dollops of jam and cream into fairy cake cases - anyhow after managing that and a number of sales including buying myself a large slice of an exceptionally tasty chocolate cake, I was released to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and chatting - loved the balloons release - a big thank you to all who organised the event - Randwick is definitely a richer community because of them.