St George makes a really great day
Last updated at 11:14, Tuesday, 27 April 2010
A DAMSEL in distress was rescued from the clutches of a dragon by a spear-wielding St George.
By Jon Simpson
A performance of the folklore tale involving England’s patron saint was one of the highlights of a weekend of South Cumbrian events to commemorate St George’s Day.
The Ulverston St George’s Day Festival attracted hundreds of children and adults to the Market Place, which became a stage for the day with entertainment ranging including morris dancing, May pole dancing and a comedy act by local entertainer and 'jester' Garry Gifford.
Other events and sideshows were scattered about the town and many shops displayed St George's cross flags and other St George’s day touches. Those taking part in the pageant included Wilf Proctor of the Barrow and District Blind Society.
He is a member of the St George’s Day Festival committee and played a mad monk during the festivities.
Estate agent Ralph Spours dressed in finery as Baron Hard-Up and urged his henchmen, dressed as medieval soldiers, to capture a damsel – Vicky Cash who works at Pretty Things in King Street.
She was tied her to a stake for the dragon, played by Croftlands Junior School pupil Connor Fox, 11, to eat. Garry Gifford, who is also on the committee, gave a comic commentary as the dragon and the baron’s henchmen were felled by St George, played by Tim Balchin who runs Ulverston Gallery in Brogden Street.
One of the festival organisers, Peter Winston, said: “From what I can see it seems to have gone quite well. Everyone seems to have a good time.
“More and more people are taking an interest in St George these days.”
Mr Gifford said: “We have done St George four or five times and this one was great.
“The weather helps and we all put more effort in this year.
“We know we can draw big crowds in to Ulverston for events and it is nice to sneak one in before the end of April.”
Local shops and businesses helped raise the £2,000 to put on the free festival.
The mayor of Ulverston, Councillor Norman Bishop-Rowe, said: “I would like to congratulate the whole committee that set this festival up .”
Barrow celebrated St George’s Day yesterday. Events included a march by ex-servicemen in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association and a St George’s Day parade by Barrow area Scouts from the amphitheatre of Furness Abbey to the Beacon Hill Methodist Church.
First published at 13:13, Monday, 26 April 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
