The last moot of the year and quite a success, if a short one. I'd like to thank everyone who managed to get to us, and for letting me get to bed as early as possible considering the horrible time I had to get up the following morning.
I'd also like to congratulate Sara for being the Moot's official clever-pants, and winning her own wine (again!) *sigh*
The Next Two Moots
On 11th January we'll be having our annual games night. We're not sure exactly what that's going to involve yet, but Ed's said he may be able to get something called Once Upon a Story to us, and Womble's offered to bring along Mind Trap. Sounds good so far.
On 8th February Bridget will be presenting a talk on Multiple Intelligences. She did this before, several years ago and I can vouch for the fact it's very, very good.
We've also been asked for something resembling a "tree-recognition" moot. We're thinking about that as a summer-field-trip type option.
Coming Up
From the 7th - 24th December the Triangle shopping centre in Manchester (what used to be the Corn Exchange) is hosting a photography exhibition called The Way Through the Woods - ancient and evocative landscapes of the North West. It's open from 10am to 7pm and, even better, it's free.
On Friday 17th December Stone The Crows Border Morris team will be performing a traditional Mummers play. They'll be starting at 8pm at The Gables in Leyland, going on to the Royal Oak at Whittle-le-Woods and finishing at Top Lock, near Wheelton.
The Bolton Yule Moot will be happening at the Man & Scythe on Saturday 18th December. It starts at 8pm but it's likely that the pub will be pretty busy, so Hawky has suggested people try to get there a bit earlier. Purple Emma has promised to sit in the front room of the pub from about 4pm and snarl in her scariest way at any muggles who turn up.
Actually, that would probably work on me!
Leiwolf (Ashley) Crook is organising an open Yule ritual at Clayton Brook (between Chorley and Preston) on the evening of Sunday 19th December. Details from Lei, but if you don't know him we can put you in touch. It'll have to be through Facebook, though.
Megalithic Tours are running a Solstice Sunrise trip to Castlerigg stone circle on the morning of Tuesday 21st December. Details are available from Linda Sever, and if you don't know Linda the same deal applies as with Lei.
One the same evening we've been told there's a full moon fire party at Lockside Road, Preston Docks. It's organised by Pele's Pyromancers (I think) and starts at 9pm.
Looking Ahead
Our Wassail Party is now booked for Saturday 15th January, and if anyone fancies helping me to celebrate my birthday we'll be having an evening at Ara on (we think) Friday 28th January.
Lastly, Marsden ImBolg Fire Festival is on Saturday 5th February, starting at 7pm. We understand there's a very good train service, which sounds a lot better than trying to drive across the moors in fog thicker than a Heathen's favourite real ale.
And that'll do for now. See y'all soon.
Seán
Thursday 16 December 2010
Wednesday 10 November 2010
November Announcements.
Good morning you lovely people, and thanks to all those who made last night's Moot and told their excellent stories.
Here's what's coming up.
The Next Two Moots
On the 14th December we'll be having our annual quiz. Twenty-five questions (because Sara said so), set by me (because nearly everybody else said so) with multiple choice answers (because I said so!). There's even a small prize for the winner.
If you fancy a question or two on a specific subject, thus giving yourself a slight advantage, you have but to ask.
On 11th January there will be our annual games night. We're open to suggestions, folks.
Coming Up
Tonight Wednesday 13th November, if you've any energy left, there's a Heathen Moot by a group called Salgofnir's Call. It's at the Angel Pub in Manchester and starts at 7:30.
If you're feeling environmental there's a litter-pick going on at Eatock Lodges in Westhoughton on Sat 13th November. It's from 10:30am onwards and here's a postcode so you can find it: BL5 2SQ
On Fri 19th November we'll be gothing it up at Ara. It's on the 3rd Friday this month because of an event in the church. Anybody who fancies it is most welcome to join us.
For die-hard folkies there's a folk music workshop at The Crown at Worthington on Sat 20th November. It costs £25 but there's food laid on and it goes on all day (literally) from midday to midnight.
For the more lightweight of us there's the Bolton Moot at the Man & Scythe that same evening, 8pm onwards.
Finally for November there's an astrology workshop run by Shared Earth in Preston happening on Sunday 28th from 11am to 4pm. If you want to go you'll have to get in touch fast (by 14th Nov - tomorrow!) with your birth details and £10 for a chart to be made up. Food is usually laid on at these shindigs and you can find full details here: shared_earth@yahoo.co.uk.
Last of all, Jonathan hasn't told us yet but Manchester Pagan Wheel usually has a quiz night in December. That moot will be at The Waldorf on Monday 6th December.
And that'll do for now. See you in December.
Love,
Seán
Here's what's coming up.
The Next Two Moots
On the 14th December we'll be having our annual quiz. Twenty-five questions (because Sara said so), set by me (because nearly everybody else said so) with multiple choice answers (because I said so!). There's even a small prize for the winner.
If you fancy a question or two on a specific subject, thus giving yourself a slight advantage, you have but to ask.
On 11th January there will be our annual games night. We're open to suggestions, folks.
Coming Up
Tonight Wednesday 13th November, if you've any energy left, there's a Heathen Moot by a group called Salgofnir's Call. It's at the Angel Pub in Manchester and starts at 7:30.
If you're feeling environmental there's a litter-pick going on at Eatock Lodges in Westhoughton on Sat 13th November. It's from 10:30am onwards and here's a postcode so you can find it: BL5 2SQ
On Fri 19th November we'll be gothing it up at Ara. It's on the 3rd Friday this month because of an event in the church. Anybody who fancies it is most welcome to join us.
For die-hard folkies there's a folk music workshop at The Crown at Worthington on Sat 20th November. It costs £25 but there's food laid on and it goes on all day (literally) from midday to midnight.
For the more lightweight of us there's the Bolton Moot at the Man & Scythe that same evening, 8pm onwards.
Finally for November there's an astrology workshop run by Shared Earth in Preston happening on Sunday 28th from 11am to 4pm. If you want to go you'll have to get in touch fast (by 14th Nov - tomorrow!) with your birth details and £10 for a chart to be made up. Food is usually laid on at these shindigs and you can find full details here: shared_earth@yahoo.co.uk.
Last of all, Jonathan hasn't told us yet but Manchester Pagan Wheel usually has a quiz night in December. That moot will be at The Waldorf on Monday 6th December.
And that'll do for now. See you in December.
Love,
Seán
Wednesday 13 October 2010
October announcements
And on time too!
The Next Two Moots
On 8th November we'll be hosting our annual storytelling moot. Please bring a story. It can be pretty much anything you deem suitable: a chunk of a novel, a myth, your own work etc. Our only request is that it be no more than ten minutes in the telling, so everyone gets a turn.
The 14th December will see the return of our annual quiz. 20 questions (or thereabouts) from yours truly on such subjects as folk customs, mythology, Paganism and aliens (thanks Spikey!). We may even have a picture section courtesy of the wonderful Womble. The winner will receve a bottle of our very own homebrew - insert joke about runners-up and two bottles here.
Coming Up
From 10am until 5pm on Saturday 16th October there will be a Mediaeval Fayre happening on Churchgate in Bolton. It will also include a street play of the beheading of the 7th Earl of Derby, aka John from the Man & Scythe, which we believe is happening around 2pm. On top of all that the Man & Scythe is hosting a cider festival at the same time.
Shops, an execution and booze - that seems to have all the bases covered!
Seán's note: James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, was beheaded in October 1651 which is stretching the definition of "mediaeval" a bit. I won't tell anyone if you won't!
On the evening of Saturday 23rd October the Crystal Cauldron in Reddish near Stockport is hosting a Samhain Fancy Dress Ball. The theme is The Wizard of Oz and tickets are £15 a chuck (£7.50 for kids, under-5's go free) which sounds a lot but that does include a buffet and disco.
On Saturday 30th November it's Womble's birthday. It's also our own Fancy Dress Samhain party from 8pm that night and it's free! This year's theme is Horror Film Heroes (interpret that as you will). Any donations of firewood will be very gratefully received.
The Manchester Pagan Wheel will be on Monday 1st November at the Waldorf on Gore Street. We've been told that's it's probably going to be a social although there may be a surprise speaker.
If you've got an arm and leg to sell you may be able to afford a ticket for the Rocky Horror Show which is on a the Palace Theatre, Manchester from 15th to 20th November. Tickets range from £19.50 to £34.50. Mind you, if you sold an arm and a leg how would you get your fishnets on?
Finally, we've been informed that Wednesday 27th is Lancashire Day. What that actually is can be discovered here. Strange but true!
Eeh, by 'eck, whippet, black puddin', flat cap tha know'st. I'll go to'th foot of our stairs!
Love and glottal stops,
Seán
The Next Two Moots
On 8th November we'll be hosting our annual storytelling moot. Please bring a story. It can be pretty much anything you deem suitable: a chunk of a novel, a myth, your own work etc. Our only request is that it be no more than ten minutes in the telling, so everyone gets a turn.
The 14th December will see the return of our annual quiz. 20 questions (or thereabouts) from yours truly on such subjects as folk customs, mythology, Paganism and aliens (thanks Spikey!). We may even have a picture section courtesy of the wonderful Womble. The winner will receve a bottle of our very own homebrew - insert joke about runners-up and two bottles here.
Coming Up
From 10am until 5pm on Saturday 16th October there will be a Mediaeval Fayre happening on Churchgate in Bolton. It will also include a street play of the beheading of the 7th Earl of Derby, aka John from the Man & Scythe, which we believe is happening around 2pm. On top of all that the Man & Scythe is hosting a cider festival at the same time.
Shops, an execution and booze - that seems to have all the bases covered!
Seán's note: James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby, was beheaded in October 1651 which is stretching the definition of "mediaeval" a bit. I won't tell anyone if you won't!
On the evening of Saturday 23rd October the Crystal Cauldron in Reddish near Stockport is hosting a Samhain Fancy Dress Ball. The theme is The Wizard of Oz and tickets are £15 a chuck (£7.50 for kids, under-5's go free) which sounds a lot but that does include a buffet and disco.
On Saturday 30th November it's Womble's birthday. It's also our own Fancy Dress Samhain party from 8pm that night and it's free! This year's theme is Horror Film Heroes (interpret that as you will). Any donations of firewood will be very gratefully received.
The Manchester Pagan Wheel will be on Monday 1st November at the Waldorf on Gore Street. We've been told that's it's probably going to be a social although there may be a surprise speaker.
If you've got an arm and leg to sell you may be able to afford a ticket for the Rocky Horror Show which is on a the Palace Theatre, Manchester from 15th to 20th November. Tickets range from £19.50 to £34.50. Mind you, if you sold an arm and a leg how would you get your fishnets on?
Finally, we've been informed that Wednesday 27th is Lancashire Day. What that actually is can be discovered here. Strange but true!
Eeh, by 'eck, whippet, black puddin', flat cap tha know'st. I'll go to'th foot of our stairs!
Love and glottal stops,
Seán
Wednesday 29 September 2010
September Announcement.
My mother often said I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on. She may have been right.
With that in mind, here are the announcements from September's moot - and the really cool thing is that it's still September (just)!
The Next Two Moots
On the 12th October PhD student and all-round extremely clever person, Hannah Kate will be giving us a talk on the Mediaeval Origins of Monsters (y'know vampires, werewolves and such). Mystic Seán predicts this is going to be a popular one. I know I'm looking forward to it.
9th November will see the return of our annual storytelling moot. Bring a story! It can be anything you like, something you've written or something you enjoy. Do try to keep it below ten minutes in the telling, though, so everyone gets a turn.
Coming Up
Saturday 9th October will see the first Pagan Federation North West Conference in quite some years. It's at the Castle Centre in Kendal from 10am to 6pm and tickets are available from: BM Brigantia, London, WX1N 3XX (£10 for members and £13 for non-members). You may also be able to pay on the door, but it's not recommended
If you can't manage that but fancy a mad night out, The Lowry in Salford has Sing-a-long-a-Wicker-Man on that self-same evening. No, really. The details are here.
During the afternoon of Saturday 16th October there will be a Mediaeval Market and Street Play on Churchgate in Bolton. Come and watch John, landlord of the Olde Man & Scythe get his head chopped off - fun for all the family!
Finally, our annual Samhain fancy-dress party will be on Saturday 30th October, 8pm onwards. This year's theme is Horror Film Heroes - come as a favourite horror film character. So far we haven't been threatened with naked werewolves!
That'll do for now unless, of course, I've forgotten something!
Love and brainache,
Seán
With that in mind, here are the announcements from September's moot - and the really cool thing is that it's still September (just)!
The Next Two Moots
On the 12th October PhD student and all-round extremely clever person, Hannah Kate will be giving us a talk on the Mediaeval Origins of Monsters (y'know vampires, werewolves and such). Mystic Seán predicts this is going to be a popular one. I know I'm looking forward to it.
9th November will see the return of our annual storytelling moot. Bring a story! It can be anything you like, something you've written or something you enjoy. Do try to keep it below ten minutes in the telling, though, so everyone gets a turn.
Coming Up
Saturday 9th October will see the first Pagan Federation North West Conference in quite some years. It's at the Castle Centre in Kendal from 10am to 6pm and tickets are available from: BM Brigantia, London, WX1N 3XX (£10 for members and £13 for non-members). You may also be able to pay on the door, but it's not recommended
If you can't manage that but fancy a mad night out, The Lowry in Salford has Sing-a-long-a-Wicker-Man on that self-same evening. No, really. The details are here.
During the afternoon of Saturday 16th October there will be a Mediaeval Market and Street Play on Churchgate in Bolton. Come and watch John, landlord of the Olde Man & Scythe get his head chopped off - fun for all the family!
Finally, our annual Samhain fancy-dress party will be on Saturday 30th October, 8pm onwards. This year's theme is Horror Film Heroes - come as a favourite horror film character. So far we haven't been threatened with naked werewolves!
That'll do for now unless, of course, I've forgotten something!
Love and brainache,
Seán
Tuesday 24 August 2010
August Notifications
A thought occurred to me this morning: I've been so busy and preoccupied that I completely forgot to write the moot blog.
EEEEK!
Oh well, only two weeks late ...
The Next Two Moots.
As he's feeling better now, we've rescheduled and on the 14th Sept Mark the Compost Elf will be giving us his talk on Dryads.
Following that Linda's mate Hannah will be telling us all about monsters - vampires, werewolves and so on - on the 10th October.
Other Stuff.
(Fortunately there's not a lot)
The Whitworth Rushcart is happening on Saturday 5th Sept and will even feature the fabulous Rivington Morris.
We'll be having our annual Bramble Ramble on the following Saturday 11th Sept, setting off from Dionysian Towers at 3pm. Bring a picnic and we'll have an afternoon and early evening picking, eventually finishing off with a few drinkies back at ours.
All that and blackberries too! What more could you need?
Looking a little further ahead - The Pagan Federation is rebuilding in the north west and having its first conference for quite a while. It's on the 9th October at the Castle Street Centre in Kendal, Cumbria and features workshops and talks by Chris and Vivianne Crowley, Jez Green, Laura Spicer and many others.Tickets are £10 (£13 for non-members) and available from:BM Brigantia, London, WC1N 3XX
EEEEK!
Oh well, only two weeks late ...
The Next Two Moots.
As he's feeling better now, we've rescheduled and on the 14th Sept Mark the Compost Elf will be giving us his talk on Dryads.
Following that Linda's mate Hannah will be telling us all about monsters - vampires, werewolves and so on - on the 10th October.
Other Stuff.
(Fortunately there's not a lot)
The Whitworth Rushcart is happening on Saturday 5th Sept and will even feature the fabulous Rivington Morris.
We'll be having our annual Bramble Ramble on the following Saturday 11th Sept, setting off from Dionysian Towers at 3pm. Bring a picnic and we'll have an afternoon and early evening picking, eventually finishing off with a few drinkies back at ours.
All that and blackberries too! What more could you need?
Looking a little further ahead - The Pagan Federation is rebuilding in the north west and having its first conference for quite a while. It's on the 9th October at the Castle Street Centre in Kendal, Cumbria and features workshops and talks by Chris and Vivianne Crowley, Jez Green, Laura Spicer and many others.Tickets are £10 (£13 for non-members) and available from:BM Brigantia, London, WC1N 3XX
Wednesday 14 July 2010
July Announcements
Hi everybody who braved the weather last night to get to us, it was excellent to see you. And to those who couldn't make it, you missed a strange and chaotic evening.
Unfortunately one of those people was our speaker Mark the Compost Elf, who isn't well but has asked if we can reschedule. I shall ask him if he fancies September as soon as my head's cleared and we can all send him nice thoughts now so he gets better.
This month the blog has been mostly written by Womble who did us some excellent diary sheets last night and from which I've very lazily copied and pasted the lot.
Forthcoming Moots
Tuesday 10 August 2010 - 8pm
Social barbeque at Sara and Seán's house
Tuesday 14 September 2010 - 8pm
Mark the Compost Elf?
Tuesday 12 October 2010 - 8pm
Open - any offers?
Other Events
Sat 17 July 2010 - 8pm
Ye Newe Bolton Moot
Man & Scythe, Bolton
Wednesday 21 July 2010 - 8pm
Rivington Morris Dance Out
The Crown, Worthington, near Standish (very good real ales pub)
Friday 23 July 2010 - 8pm
Trip to Ara.
http://portal.lerch2000.co.uk/index.php/aralnk
Saturday 24 July 2010 - 12pm to 9.30pm
Howfenfest.
Free local music festival in Central Park, Westhoughton
http://howfenfest.co.uk/
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 July 2010
All day
Manchester Mela at Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield.
http://www.manchestermela.co.uk/
Monday 26 July 2010 - 9pm
Full Moon Fire Party. Lockside Road, Preston Docks.
Wednesday 28 July - evening
Rivington Morris dance out in Garstang.
http://www.rivingtonmorris.org.uk/
Saturday 31 July 2010 Midday
Lughnasadh Whinberry Walk
Meeting at the Shoulder of Mutton, Holcombe Village, BL8 4LZ.
http://www.theshoulderofmutton.net/
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 August 2010
Todstock free festival, featuring local music talent. Central Vale Park, Todmorden
http://www.todstock.co.uk/
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 August 2010
Woodspirit Camp at Silverdale
A weekend of camping in beautiful woodland by the North Lancashire coast, for Pagans and Pagan-friendly Muggles! Activities include: Bonfire, BBQ, Circus skills, Drumming, Firedancing, Tree Spirit Journeys, Mummer's Play, Ritual, Children's Teddy Bear Hunt, Tai Chi, Incense Making and many other talks and workshops.
Speakers include: Linda Sever, Sara Fitton, Mark the Compost Elf, Joan Withington, Seán Fitton, Rufus and Melissa Harrington and music with special guest Damh the Bard.
Looking ahead
The Pagan Federation is rebuilding in the north west and having its first conference for quite a while. It's on the 9th October at the Castle Street Centre in Kendal, Cumbria and features workshops and talks by Chris and Vivianne Crowley, Jez Green, Laura Spicer and many others.
Tickets are £10 (£13 for non-members) and available from:
BM Brigantia, London, WC1N 3XX
Or if you don't fancy that you could always go to The Lowry that evening for Sing-a-long-a Wickerman. No, really!
And finally ...
Womble has suggested that many of us may find this website's free festivals interesting:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-uk-festivals
I reckon she's right.
Th th th that's all folks,
Seán
xxx
Unfortunately one of those people was our speaker Mark the Compost Elf, who isn't well but has asked if we can reschedule. I shall ask him if he fancies September as soon as my head's cleared and we can all send him nice thoughts now so he gets better.
This month the blog has been mostly written by Womble who did us some excellent diary sheets last night and from which I've very lazily copied and pasted the lot.
Forthcoming Moots
Tuesday 10 August 2010 - 8pm
Social barbeque at Sara and Seán's house
Tuesday 14 September 2010 - 8pm
Mark the Compost Elf?
Tuesday 12 October 2010 - 8pm
Open - any offers?
Other Events
Sat 17 July 2010 - 8pm
Ye Newe Bolton Moot
Man & Scythe, Bolton
Wednesday 21 July 2010 - 8pm
Rivington Morris Dance Out
The Crown, Worthington, near Standish (very good real ales pub)
Friday 23 July 2010 - 8pm
Trip to Ara.
http://portal.lerch2000.co.uk/index.php/aralnk
Saturday 24 July 2010 - 12pm to 9.30pm
Howfenfest.
Free local music festival in Central Park, Westhoughton
http://howfenfest.co.uk/
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 July 2010
All day
Manchester Mela at Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield.
http://www.manchestermela.co.uk/
Monday 26 July 2010 - 9pm
Full Moon Fire Party. Lockside Road, Preston Docks.
Wednesday 28 July - evening
Rivington Morris dance out in Garstang.
http://www.rivingtonmorris.org.uk/
Saturday 31 July 2010 Midday
Lughnasadh Whinberry Walk
Meeting at the Shoulder of Mutton, Holcombe Village, BL8 4LZ.
http://www.theshoulderofmutton.net/
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 August 2010
Todstock free festival, featuring local music talent. Central Vale Park, Todmorden
http://www.todstock.co.uk/
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 August 2010
Woodspirit Camp at Silverdale
A weekend of camping in beautiful woodland by the North Lancashire coast, for Pagans and Pagan-friendly Muggles! Activities include: Bonfire, BBQ, Circus skills, Drumming, Firedancing, Tree Spirit Journeys, Mummer's Play, Ritual, Children's Teddy Bear Hunt, Tai Chi, Incense Making and many other talks and workshops.
Speakers include: Linda Sever, Sara Fitton, Mark the Compost Elf, Joan Withington, Seán Fitton, Rufus and Melissa Harrington and music with special guest Damh the Bard.
Looking ahead
The Pagan Federation is rebuilding in the north west and having its first conference for quite a while. It's on the 9th October at the Castle Street Centre in Kendal, Cumbria and features workshops and talks by Chris and Vivianne Crowley, Jez Green, Laura Spicer and many others.
Tickets are £10 (£13 for non-members) and available from:
BM Brigantia, London, WC1N 3XX
Or if you don't fancy that you could always go to The Lowry that evening for Sing-a-long-a Wickerman. No, really!
And finally ...
Womble has suggested that many of us may find this website's free festivals interesting:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/free-uk-festivals
I reckon she's right.
Th th th that's all folks,
Seán
xxx
Tuesday 15 June 2010
June Announcements
Hooray! It's only taken me a week to get round to writing this. Sorry! I've been insanely busy, riding naked around Manchester and buggering off to camp and play drunken music. All those who feel the need to smack my bottom please form an orderly queue.
Thank you to Daniel for an excellent talk on the Wheel of the Year. Are we questioning dogma yet? Let's hope so
The Next Two Moots
Mark the Compost Elf has offered to take over on the 13th July with a talk on dryads. Don't miss it, he knows his stuff. (Incidentally, for those who haven't met him - picture a Compost Elf. Looks a lot like Dobby, right? Well, Mark looks exactly like Dobby doesn't!)
Womble has suggested a social barbecue night for 10th August. Sounds good to us!
September and October are still available if anybody wants them. Just give us a shout.
Coming Up
Pendle Witch Camp is on this weekend 18th-20th June. Details from their website.
If you can't manage that there's always the Manchester Day Parade on Sunday 20th
Sara's dancing at the Kasbah Club's Hafla on Saturday 26th June. Tickets may still be available at £10 each
Pagancon in Preston is on the 3rd of July, with a workshop by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone the day after (although that costs extra).
Horwich carnival is also happening on that day, starring the inimitable Rivington Morris.
Our own Daniel will be speaking at the Pagan Wheel in Manchester on Monday 5th July. Details from us if you want some.
Further Ahead
For the campers, Oakleaf is on from 30th July- 1st August and Woodspirit from 20th-22nd August. Maybe we'll see you there.
Love and lateness,
Seán
Thank you to Daniel for an excellent talk on the Wheel of the Year. Are we questioning dogma yet? Let's hope so
The Next Two Moots
Mark the Compost Elf has offered to take over on the 13th July with a talk on dryads. Don't miss it, he knows his stuff. (Incidentally, for those who haven't met him - picture a Compost Elf. Looks a lot like Dobby, right? Well, Mark looks exactly like Dobby doesn't!)
Womble has suggested a social barbecue night for 10th August. Sounds good to us!
September and October are still available if anybody wants them. Just give us a shout.
Coming Up
Pendle Witch Camp is on this weekend 18th-20th June. Details from their website.
If you can't manage that there's always the Manchester Day Parade on Sunday 20th
Sara's dancing at the Kasbah Club's Hafla on Saturday 26th June. Tickets may still be available at £10 each
Pagancon in Preston is on the 3rd of July, with a workshop by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone the day after (although that costs extra).
Horwich carnival is also happening on that day, starring the inimitable Rivington Morris.
Our own Daniel will be speaking at the Pagan Wheel in Manchester on Monday 5th July. Details from us if you want some.
Further Ahead
For the campers, Oakleaf is on from 30th July- 1st August and Woodspirit from 20th-22nd August. Maybe we'll see you there.
Love and lateness,
Seán
Wednesday 12 May 2010
May Announcements
Hi folks, and thank you to everyone who made it last night. You came up with some fascinating insights and expressions of the paths we're all on. Very enjoyable and enlightening.
I've also made a personal discovery - British wine may be utter rubbish, but it doesn't leave you with even a slight hangover. Not sure if that's enough to make it worth getting again though!
Upcoming Moots
On the 8th June Daniel will be giving a revision of his talk on the Wheel of the Year. There's a lot more to it than you might think, especially if you're willing to question received wisdom.
After that we're a little blank. Womble's suggested a Barbecue night and I've got in touch with Mark the Compost Elf, but we haven't got specific dates yet. No worries, though. We've got a month to get organised.
Coming soon
On the afternoon of Saturday 15th May Rivington Morris are dancing out in (Would you believe?) Rivington! Or if you don't fancy that there's a bellydance flashmob going on somewhere in Manchester. If you want details ask, and we'll tell you when we know ourselves.
Also, that evening the Newe Bolton Moot is happening at the Olde Man & Scythe on Churchgate from 8pm. Be there or be more sober than me!
For those who fancied joining us for a good old goth-up at ARA on the 29th May, it ain't happening. It's happening on the 21st instead! We'd love to see you there.
AND on the 29th May Clarian Faeries are having a special woodland moot at Clarian Woods (a little north of Bury, I think) from about midday Saturday to Sunday teatime. It's NOT a campsite, it's a woodland, but you can camp there in small tents. You just need to be aware that you will be roughing it.
If you fancy that contact Clarian Faeries for details, or us and we'll put you in touch.
Other Stuff.
This year's Pagancon in Preston is on Saturday 3rd July. Details on the website, and it costs £15 per head if you pay on the door.
World Naked Bike Ride is on June 11th in Manchester and the Woodspirit Camp at Silverdale will be on the weekend beginning 20th August this year.
Our friend, Joanne (Jo Brown, Jo Frejya, Sexy Jo, Firey Jo) is opening a shop in Silsden, North Yorkshire selling oils, statues, bags, trinkets and suchlike and she's looking for crafty suppliers of handmade goods. If you make stuff and you'd like Jo to sell it please get in touch either with her directly or through us.
Finally . . .
If you would like to see yours truly make a complete fool of himself on national television please watch the Naked Office on Virgin 1 (Freeview 20) at 9pm on Tuesday 18th May. In my defence I'd just like to say, it was really cold!
Love and shrivelled bits,
Seán
I've also made a personal discovery - British wine may be utter rubbish, but it doesn't leave you with even a slight hangover. Not sure if that's enough to make it worth getting again though!
Upcoming Moots
On the 8th June Daniel will be giving a revision of his talk on the Wheel of the Year. There's a lot more to it than you might think, especially if you're willing to question received wisdom.
After that we're a little blank. Womble's suggested a Barbecue night and I've got in touch with Mark the Compost Elf, but we haven't got specific dates yet. No worries, though. We've got a month to get organised.
Coming soon
On the afternoon of Saturday 15th May Rivington Morris are dancing out in (Would you believe?) Rivington! Or if you don't fancy that there's a bellydance flashmob going on somewhere in Manchester. If you want details ask, and we'll tell you when we know ourselves.
Also, that evening the Newe Bolton Moot is happening at the Olde Man & Scythe on Churchgate from 8pm. Be there or be more sober than me!
For those who fancied joining us for a good old goth-up at ARA on the 29th May, it ain't happening. It's happening on the 21st instead! We'd love to see you there.
AND on the 29th May Clarian Faeries are having a special woodland moot at Clarian Woods (a little north of Bury, I think) from about midday Saturday to Sunday teatime. It's NOT a campsite, it's a woodland, but you can camp there in small tents. You just need to be aware that you will be roughing it.
If you fancy that contact Clarian Faeries for details, or us and we'll put you in touch.
Other Stuff.
This year's Pagancon in Preston is on Saturday 3rd July. Details on the website, and it costs £15 per head if you pay on the door.
World Naked Bike Ride is on June 11th in Manchester and the Woodspirit Camp at Silverdale will be on the weekend beginning 20th August this year.
Our friend, Joanne (Jo Brown, Jo Frejya, Sexy Jo, Firey Jo) is opening a shop in Silsden, North Yorkshire selling oils, statues, bags, trinkets and suchlike and she's looking for crafty suppliers of handmade goods. If you make stuff and you'd like Jo to sell it please get in touch either with her directly or through us.
Finally . . .
If you would like to see yours truly make a complete fool of himself on national television please watch the Naked Office on Virgin 1 (Freeview 20) at 9pm on Tuesday 18th May. In my defence I'd just like to say, it was really cold!
Love and shrivelled bits,
Seán
Wednesday 14 April 2010
April Announcements
Hi all, and thank you to Linda for her very interesting talk last night. The book is officially out on Monday 26th April. It's available on Amazon if you must, but we suggest you go to your nearest independent bookseller instead and ask for:
Lancashire's Sacred Landscapes
Edited by Linda Sever
Published by The History Press
(and if anyone can give me the ISBN, I'll be terribly grateful)
NEXT!
The next Moot will be on Tuesday 11th May and we're handing over to you this time. The subject is "What's your path?" and we'd like everybody to tell us!
Daniel will be taking the Moot on June 8th with revision of his Wheel of the Year study. Is it interesting and radical or is it heresy? Come and decide for yourself.
The Moots for July to October are now open to offers. It has been suggested that I rope Mark the Compost Elf into doing one, so I'll be elf hunting soon and will let everyone know how we fare asap.
Coming Up
We have an absolute raft of announcements, so let's take a deep breath and dive in.
On Saturday 17th April (as well as Tasha's birthday party) there's the Halliwell Cultural Festival taking place at Bolton Rugby Club. Various genres of music and dance will be happening, including several sets from the wonderful Rivington Morris. The whole shebang starts at 10:30am and finishes at 5pm, but that will be followed by an English music session, then a ceilidh and another session late for the real hard-liners.
On the same evening will be the first social of the New Bolton Moot, (Facebook link, sorry!) at the Man & Scythe on Churchgate. 8pm onwards.
On Sunday 25th April Manchester will be having its annual St George's Day parade. The start is at midday from Albert Square and will include . . . Rivington Morris!
ALSO - UCLan Pagansoc in Preston are having a trip to Long Meg. Contact Linda if you fancy joining them on the bus.
On the next evening 26th April Clarian Faeries will be holding their April Moot in Westhoughton, and there's a real treat this time in the shape of Wiccan High Priestess, Joan Withington giving a talk on the various branches of Wicca. Contact the Faeries for details of where to go.
For anyone who's into life drawing Nexus Art Café are having life sessions on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm. It costs £4, and get there early because they lock the doors when they start. On Tuesday 27th their model will be me!
Talking of which (and shamelessly plugging my own career) look out for The Naked Office on Virgin1, coming out soon. The episode about a company called Farmshed will feature a rather familiar face, and other bits too!
For those rare souls who aren't going to Thornborough or Grey Mare for the weekend we are holding our annual Bealtaine Wicker Man Party on Friday 30th April. There will be fire, a wicker man to burn, live music, a maypole, THAT film (with songsheets) and many other summery goodies.
On the 1st May the Faerie Ball is happening in Garstang. Tickets are £20 each but that's all-in, and you need to get them before the 17th April because they need to know what you can and can't eat. Contact Clarian Faeries for your tickets.
On the bank holiday Monday 3rd May (as well as it being Andrea's birthday) Moses Gate Country Park will be holding its annual Frog Parade. It's a great family event to celebrate summer, ecology and all things froggy including the dunking of the Frog King. It all starts from 10:30am at Smithy Bridge which is opposite the Farmers Arms pub on Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever.
Hawky of the New Bolton Moot is organising a special Picnic in the Park (another FB link, I'm afraid) on Saturday 8th May in Queens Park, Spa Road, Bolton. Starting at 2pm it'll go on all night, but it's not just a picnic, it's also specifically to protest Bolton Council's felling of mature trees to "take the park back to its Victorian roots".
And there's more!
These last few things aren't happening until after the next Moot, so here are some dates for your diary and we can give you details should you need them.
May 15th - Bellydance flashmob in Manchester OR Rivington Morris performing in Rivington.
May 28th - A possible trip to ARA (oh look, it's almost Daniel's birthday too)
June 11th - World Naked Bike Ride
AND that weekend, Jim's Manning Ceremony/Linda's birthday camp at Silverdale.
July 3rd - Pagancon in Preston. Tickets are £12 in advance.
That's it! My typing finger hurts now!
Love,
Seán
Lancashire's Sacred Landscapes
Edited by Linda Sever
Published by The History Press
(and if anyone can give me the ISBN, I'll be terribly grateful)
NEXT!
The next Moot will be on Tuesday 11th May and we're handing over to you this time. The subject is "What's your path?" and we'd like everybody to tell us!
Daniel will be taking the Moot on June 8th with revision of his Wheel of the Year study. Is it interesting and radical or is it heresy? Come and decide for yourself.
The Moots for July to October are now open to offers. It has been suggested that I rope Mark the Compost Elf into doing one, so I'll be elf hunting soon and will let everyone know how we fare asap.
Coming Up
We have an absolute raft of announcements, so let's take a deep breath and dive in.
On Saturday 17th April (as well as Tasha's birthday party) there's the Halliwell Cultural Festival taking place at Bolton Rugby Club. Various genres of music and dance will be happening, including several sets from the wonderful Rivington Morris. The whole shebang starts at 10:30am and finishes at 5pm, but that will be followed by an English music session, then a ceilidh and another session late for the real hard-liners.
On the same evening will be the first social of the New Bolton Moot, (Facebook link, sorry!) at the Man & Scythe on Churchgate. 8pm onwards.
On Sunday 25th April Manchester will be having its annual St George's Day parade. The start is at midday from Albert Square and will include . . . Rivington Morris!
ALSO - UCLan Pagansoc in Preston are having a trip to Long Meg. Contact Linda if you fancy joining them on the bus.
On the next evening 26th April Clarian Faeries will be holding their April Moot in Westhoughton, and there's a real treat this time in the shape of Wiccan High Priestess, Joan Withington giving a talk on the various branches of Wicca. Contact the Faeries for details of where to go.
For anyone who's into life drawing Nexus Art Café are having life sessions on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm. It costs £4, and get there early because they lock the doors when they start. On Tuesday 27th their model will be me!
Talking of which (and shamelessly plugging my own career) look out for The Naked Office on Virgin1, coming out soon. The episode about a company called Farmshed will feature a rather familiar face, and other bits too!
For those rare souls who aren't going to Thornborough or Grey Mare for the weekend we are holding our annual Bealtaine Wicker Man Party on Friday 30th April. There will be fire, a wicker man to burn, live music, a maypole, THAT film (with songsheets) and many other summery goodies.
On the 1st May the Faerie Ball is happening in Garstang. Tickets are £20 each but that's all-in, and you need to get them before the 17th April because they need to know what you can and can't eat. Contact Clarian Faeries for your tickets.
On the bank holiday Monday 3rd May (as well as it being Andrea's birthday) Moses Gate Country Park will be holding its annual Frog Parade. It's a great family event to celebrate summer, ecology and all things froggy including the dunking of the Frog King. It all starts from 10:30am at Smithy Bridge which is opposite the Farmers Arms pub on Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever.
Hawky of the New Bolton Moot is organising a special Picnic in the Park (another FB link, I'm afraid) on Saturday 8th May in Queens Park, Spa Road, Bolton. Starting at 2pm it'll go on all night, but it's not just a picnic, it's also specifically to protest Bolton Council's felling of mature trees to "take the park back to its Victorian roots".
And there's more!
These last few things aren't happening until after the next Moot, so here are some dates for your diary and we can give you details should you need them.
May 15th - Bellydance flashmob in Manchester OR Rivington Morris performing in Rivington.
May 28th - A possible trip to ARA (oh look, it's almost Daniel's birthday too)
June 11th - World Naked Bike Ride
AND that weekend, Jim's Manning Ceremony/Linda's birthday camp at Silverdale.
July 3rd - Pagancon in Preston. Tickets are £12 in advance.
That's it! My typing finger hurts now!
Love,
Seán
Wednesday 10 March 2010
March Announcements
Hello you wonderful moot people. A special thanks goes to Daniel for last night's talk/discussion on psychometry (or even psychoscopy!) Most interesting.
Public nudity? It's a disgrace!
The Next Two Moots
We've press-ganged Linda into taking over on 13th March, with a talk about her book, Lancashire's Sacred Landscape which is due to be published this month. Hurrah!
On the 11th May we're going to make you do the work! "What's your path?" will be the subject for discussion so please have a think and then you can tell us all about it.
Cruel? Noooooo!
News
Sadly, the Bolton 1st Monday moot is now defunct. Our hostess hasn't been terribly well of late and has decided to let it die a natural death. But don't despair, because it no longer clashes with Manchester Pagan Wheel and there's other good news on the horizon.
Coming Up
On Friday and Saturday 12th & 13th March there's a food and drink festival going on in Wigan, which will include a presence from The Coven and Maria's famous vegan cakes.
The evening of Saturday 20th March will see Daniel and Helen's Equinox party. A little less noisy with instruments this year because they've got neighbours now, but we can still have a good time . . . just quietly. Details from the Pixie and the Big Fellah, or via us.
Clarian Faeries will be holding their next moot in Westhoughton on Monday 22nd of March and it's going to be all about orbs. Are they spirits or are they dust, or what? Bring a digital camera if you can. Details from Mel and Nick or (again) via us.
On Saturday 27th March the Big Green Festival will be reappearing in Chorlton. It's good fun.
The amazing Rivington Morris will be making their beclogged presence felt at the Halliwell Cultural Event on Saturday 17th April and the St. George's Day parade in Manchester on Saturday 25th April.
Now the good news I mentioned: There's a new moot starting up in Bolton. The inaugural meet up will be on Saturday 17th April, from 8pm at the Olde Man & Scythe pub on Churchgate. There's also a Facebook group if you want to keep informed.
Finally, Bealtaine!
We'll be having our annual Wicker man party on Friday 30th April. There'll be a bonfire, a wicker man to burn, live music, a maypole, nudity (if someone takes their clothes off) and all manner of general revelry! 8 'til late!
On the evening of 1st May there's a Faery Ball being held in Garstang. Tickets are £20 a chuck, but that includes live entertainment, dancing (I think) and a 3-course meal with a really good veggie option. Details of the night and how to get tickets are available from Clarian Faeries, who are also providing the blessing ritual.
Lastly, the great Spencer Tunick is coming to town. Woohoo!
He'll be shooting around the Lowry and various parts of Salford and Manchester on Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd May. If you want to get naked and join in, here's where you register
Public nudity? It's a disgrace!
Love and chilly bits,
Seán
Thursday 11 February 2010
February Announcements
Good morning everybody and welcome to the announcements page!
On behalf of everybody who came on Tuesday I'd like to thank Bridget for her fascinating talk on Esther, Purim and the Pagan roots of many Jewish traditions. Oy gevalt, 'twas extremely good.
The Next Two Moots
On the 9th March Daniel will be doing a talk (and possibly some practical stuff) on Psychometry.
Linda will be taking over on 5th April to tell us all about her new book, "Lancashire's Sacred Landscape: From Prehistory to the Viking Age" (she's the editor) which is due to be published this month.
We're also considering making you (Yes, you!) do some work in May with a moot entitled, "What is your path?". Or something like that!
The moots from June to October are now open to anyone who wants one. So, if you want to do a moot or request something specific please let us know and we'll see what we can sort out.
Coming up.
I'd like to express my gratitude to Linda, both for supplying many of the events mentioned here and also for writing them down. I couldn't keep up!
Today (11th Feb) and on Monday 1st of March there will be some rather interesting talks at Manchester University. Today's is called "Viking Excavations in Iceland" and the one in March is "Wrath in Anglo-Saxon Britain" They'll be held in the Samuel Alexander building, but we recommend contacting the university yourself for any further details.
Pan Tavern will be holding their roving moot this month at the Man & Scythe on Churchgate in Bolton on Saturday 20th Feb. 8pm onwards, I believe. This could prove most interesting.
On Tuesday 23rd Feb Clarian Faeries will be restarting their own moot in Westhoughton. If you're interested let us know and we'll put you in touch with Mel and Nick. And if anyone could remind us of the subject I'd be most grateful.
If you're in Preston on the 26th Feb pop into Blackwell's. They are hosting our own Linda's book launch that evening. You never know, you could spot a famous author!
All being well (we still need to confirm this though) the Bolton Moot will re-open on Monday 1st March at the Hen & Chickens. Fingers are crossed for Michelle's return to excellent health.
On Friday the 5th March Shared Earth are having a ceilidh at St. Mary's Hall in Horwich to raise funds for this year's Pagancon.
Chorlton's Big Green Festival is on again this year, starting at 11am on Saturday 27th March at St. Clement's church. More details to follow next month.
Looking ahead
Just a couple of dates for your diary
On Sunday 25th April there will be a St. George's Day parade through Manchester featuring the amazing Rivington Morris and on Sun 16th May the National Trust will be doing a guided walk around Alderley Edge.
Phew. That's it!
Love and dyslexic typing,
Seán
On behalf of everybody who came on Tuesday I'd like to thank Bridget for her fascinating talk on Esther, Purim and the Pagan roots of many Jewish traditions. Oy gevalt, 'twas extremely good.
The Next Two Moots
On the 9th March Daniel will be doing a talk (and possibly some practical stuff) on Psychometry.
Linda will be taking over on 5th April to tell us all about her new book, "Lancashire's Sacred Landscape: From Prehistory to the Viking Age" (she's the editor) which is due to be published this month.
We're also considering making you (Yes, you!) do some work in May with a moot entitled, "What is your path?". Or something like that!
The moots from June to October are now open to anyone who wants one. So, if you want to do a moot or request something specific please let us know and we'll see what we can sort out.
Coming up.
I'd like to express my gratitude to Linda, both for supplying many of the events mentioned here and also for writing them down. I couldn't keep up!
Today (11th Feb) and on Monday 1st of March there will be some rather interesting talks at Manchester University. Today's is called "Viking Excavations in Iceland" and the one in March is "Wrath in Anglo-Saxon Britain" They'll be held in the Samuel Alexander building, but we recommend contacting the university yourself for any further details.
Pan Tavern will be holding their roving moot this month at the Man & Scythe on Churchgate in Bolton on Saturday 20th Feb. 8pm onwards, I believe. This could prove most interesting.
On Tuesday 23rd Feb Clarian Faeries will be restarting their own moot in Westhoughton. If you're interested let us know and we'll put you in touch with Mel and Nick. And if anyone could remind us of the subject I'd be most grateful.
If you're in Preston on the 26th Feb pop into Blackwell's. They are hosting our own Linda's book launch that evening. You never know, you could spot a famous author!
All being well (we still need to confirm this though) the Bolton Moot will re-open on Monday 1st March at the Hen & Chickens. Fingers are crossed for Michelle's return to excellent health.
On Friday the 5th March Shared Earth are having a ceilidh at St. Mary's Hall in Horwich to raise funds for this year's Pagancon.
Chorlton's Big Green Festival is on again this year, starting at 11am on Saturday 27th March at St. Clement's church. More details to follow next month.
Looking ahead
Just a couple of dates for your diary
On Sunday 25th April there will be a St. George's Day parade through Manchester featuring the amazing Rivington Morris and on Sun 16th May the National Trust will be doing a guided walk around Alderley Edge.
Phew. That's it!
Love and dyslexic typing,
Seán
Thursday 21 January 2010
Sad news.
Due to a family bereavement the Clarian Faeries Moot on the 25th January has had to be cancelled.
I'd like to take this opportunity to offer Mel and Nick our deepest sympathies on behalf of Sara, myself and all the attendees at Radcliffe.
Love,
Seán
I'd like to take this opportunity to offer Mel and Nick our deepest sympathies on behalf of Sara, myself and all the attendees at Radcliffe.
Love,
Seán
Thursday 14 January 2010
January Announcements
Hi folks
Well done to those two brave souls who managed to get to us (walking and on public transport) on Tuesday night. That was the quietest moot we've had for quite some time.
And to those who decided not to risk the roads and pavements - frankly, I don't blame you one bit. They were terrifying then and they're still scary now. We'd rather have all our friends in their proper shapes than mangled in bits all over the north west.
The Next Two Moots
Anywho . . . here's what's coming up.
On the 9th February there'll be a talk by Bridget on the not-as-Jewish-as-you-might-think Book of Esther and festival of Purim.
Daniel has claimed the 9th March for a night of psychometry. Hopefully we'll have safer conditions by then.
We've also got plenty of open spaces from April onwards, so if you want to request or to do a moot just ask!
Coming Up.
It's the Wassail on Saturday (16th Jan)! Please feel free to bring apple-based produce if you can, and we're happy to take any old firewood off your hands. Please definitely do bring your hats and voices. 8pm in our back garden. See you there.
On the 22nd January we'll be taking a trip to Ara to celebrate your host's birthday. Anyone who wants to join us will be most welcome. Here's what it's all about
Pan Tavern are having a roving moot in Wigan on the 20th January and an ImBolg ritual in Chorley on the 2nd February. You can find out the details here.
Our lovely friends at Clarian Faeries are starting their own moot in Westhoughton. The first one will be on the 25th January (Monday) and all about wassailling traditions. If you don't know them already you can contact them via their website (or just ask us and we'll put you in touch)
Finally, Marsden in West Yorkshire will be holding its annual ImBolg fire festival on the 6th February. It's certainly worth a look.
See y'all at the Wassail, I hope.
Love,
Seán
Well done to those two brave souls who managed to get to us (walking and on public transport) on Tuesday night. That was the quietest moot we've had for quite some time.
And to those who decided not to risk the roads and pavements - frankly, I don't blame you one bit. They were terrifying then and they're still scary now. We'd rather have all our friends in their proper shapes than mangled in bits all over the north west.
The Next Two Moots
Anywho . . . here's what's coming up.
On the 9th February there'll be a talk by Bridget on the not-as-Jewish-as-you-might-think Book of Esther and festival of Purim.
Daniel has claimed the 9th March for a night of psychometry. Hopefully we'll have safer conditions by then.
We've also got plenty of open spaces from April onwards, so if you want to request or to do a moot just ask!
Coming Up.
It's the Wassail on Saturday (16th Jan)! Please feel free to bring apple-based produce if you can, and we're happy to take any old firewood off your hands. Please definitely do bring your hats and voices. 8pm in our back garden. See you there.
On the 22nd January we'll be taking a trip to Ara to celebrate your host's birthday. Anyone who wants to join us will be most welcome. Here's what it's all about
Pan Tavern are having a roving moot in Wigan on the 20th January and an ImBolg ritual in Chorley on the 2nd February. You can find out the details here.
Our lovely friends at Clarian Faeries are starting their own moot in Westhoughton. The first one will be on the 25th January (Monday) and all about wassailling traditions. If you don't know them already you can contact them via their website (or just ask us and we'll put you in touch)
Finally, Marsden in West Yorkshire will be holding its annual ImBolg fire festival on the 6th February. It's certainly worth a look.
See y'all at the Wassail, I hope.
Love,
Seán
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