How did it get to be October already?
Update from the last post:
Our Moot isn't going anywhere anytime soon. We are still running, and will continue to do so for as long as people still want us to. The pub moot idea is a possibility for the future, and we will keep you posted on any developments there.
Next Up:
Okay, after a couple of quiet Moots, Last month's talk by Jez on Ogham was very well attended. It was a very different perspective to Harry's talk last year, some new ideas about the symbolism and meanings. There will be a book at some point - I'm helping to proof-read it, and it's looking good :)
The next Moot is tomorrow, and we'll be doing something more creative this month after a couple of requests to do something arty. So, Sigils it is. What they are, some techniques for making them and having a go.
Also coming up this month is our annual Samhain party. This will be on Saturday 25th October, so as not to clash with various goings on the following weekend. The theme this year is animated characters: think cartoons, animated films, Japanese anime, anything like that.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
The future of the Moot
Okay folks, here's what happened last night.
John Eyre and Di Conway want to set up a pub moot in Bury, but were concerned that such a thing would step on our toes. This is understandable and we ourselves don't believe that the Bury area has a large enough Pagan population to support two moots due to most people's time and financial constraints.
However, we did see this an opportunity to hand over the baton to someone else. We've been hosting the moot at our house for 14 years (more or less) and it's becoming increasingly difficult. We have to get up extremely early and I sometimes have to miss moots because of work commitments. So maybe it's time to let someone else have a go.
Frankly, we're knackered!
BUT, the moot has never just been about us. It has always been run by and for the local Pagan community, which is why attendees are always asked for suggestions, requests and offers to do talks. So, we need your opinions before we do anything else.
Last night the general tenor of the conversation was sympathetic. At the same time there was a feeling of "Not another PUB moot!" due to pubs not having the privacy and intimacy of a house moot. We couldn't, for instance, do a circle, meditation or massage session at a pub moot - even in a hired room - because of the noise and other issues
A compromise was suggested whereby the pub moot would take over but the more intimate activities and certain events should be kept by us (Wassail, Bealtaine and Samhain parties)
What do you think?
John Eyre and Di Conway want to set up a pub moot in Bury, but were concerned that such a thing would step on our toes. This is understandable and we ourselves don't believe that the Bury area has a large enough Pagan population to support two moots due to most people's time and financial constraints.
However, we did see this an opportunity to hand over the baton to someone else. We've been hosting the moot at our house for 14 years (more or less) and it's becoming increasingly difficult. We have to get up extremely early and I sometimes have to miss moots because of work commitments. So maybe it's time to let someone else have a go.
Frankly, we're knackered!
BUT, the moot has never just been about us. It has always been run by and for the local Pagan community, which is why attendees are always asked for suggestions, requests and offers to do talks. So, we need your opinions before we do anything else.
Last night the general tenor of the conversation was sympathetic. At the same time there was a feeling of "Not another PUB moot!" due to pubs not having the privacy and intimacy of a house moot. We couldn't, for instance, do a circle, meditation or massage session at a pub moot - even in a hired room - because of the noise and other issues
A compromise was suggested whereby the pub moot would take over but the more intimate activities and certain events should be kept by us (Wassail, Bealtaine and Samhain parties)
What do you think?
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
HELP!
Hi everybody.
We're still on the lookout for speakers, requests and suggestions.
Just get in touch.
You know what happens if you leave it all to me!
Love,
Seán x
We're still on the lookout for speakers, requests and suggestions.
Just get in touch.
You know what happens if you leave it all to me!
Love,
Seán x
Saturday, 8 February 2014
February 2014
Ooops!
The joys of a busy life mean one forgets to update the Moot blog ... for flippin' ages!
Ho well. Here goes:
As we haven't got a speaker this month we've decided to have a random Q&A session instead.
The idea is to write a question on a piece of paper. All the questions go into a hat. This is then passed round.
Each person in turn takes out a paper and attempts to answer the question on it, after which we open it out to everybody. Once a question has been exhausted we move on to the next person.
Please do aim for a discussion topic rather than a simple, factual question otherwise we're going to run out of things to talk about pretty quickly.
Also, if anybody fancies a trip to Bolton, I'll be doing my Dionysian Spirit show at the Bolton Moot on Tuesday 18th Feb. It's at the Sweet Green Tavern, just across the road from the train station, starting at 7:30.
See you on the 11th xx
The joys of a busy life mean one forgets to update the Moot blog ... for flippin' ages!
Ho well. Here goes:
As we haven't got a speaker this month we've decided to have a random Q&A session instead.
The idea is to write a question on a piece of paper. All the questions go into a hat. This is then passed round.
Each person in turn takes out a paper and attempts to answer the question on it, after which we open it out to everybody. Once a question has been exhausted we move on to the next person.
Please do aim for a discussion topic rather than a simple, factual question otherwise we're going to run out of things to talk about pretty quickly.
Also, if anybody fancies a trip to Bolton, I'll be doing my Dionysian Spirit show at the Bolton Moot on Tuesday 18th Feb. It's at the Sweet Green Tavern, just across the road from the train station, starting at 7:30.
See you on the 11th xx
Thursday, 12 September 2013
September Moot
A big thank you to everyone who turned up on Tuesday, most especially our guest speaker, Harry Scanlan, for a fascinating and inspiring talk on the Ogham tree alphabet, its meanings and use in divination. It was a brilliant night, even if we were all a little squished.
Some of you left your cardboard Oghams behind, so we'll look after those till next time if you want to reclaim them. Also safe with us till next time is Harry's wonderful staff.
Anit-Fracking ritual: This is being organised by the Bolton Moot, and will be held at noon on Saturday 28th September, in the amphitheatre field at Moss Bank Park. It's next to the top car park near the chimney. The ritual is being timed to co-incide with other events around the country to raise and share energy to protect our green and pleasant land.
Samhain Party: Once again we're having a fancy dress party for Samhain. This year it will be on Saturday 26th October and the theme is Alice's Adventures Underground - think White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Alice Through the Looking Glass etc.
Some of you left your cardboard Oghams behind, so we'll look after those till next time if you want to reclaim them. Also safe with us till next time is Harry's wonderful staff.
Announcements
October Moot: This will be on Tuesday 8th October, and the subject is Divination. It's a cop-out, but the spirits have not yet revealed to me precisely what this will involve. Ie. I'm making it up as I go along, and I'm sure I'll think of something :)Anit-Fracking ritual: This is being organised by the Bolton Moot, and will be held at noon on Saturday 28th September, in the amphitheatre field at Moss Bank Park. It's next to the top car park near the chimney. The ritual is being timed to co-incide with other events around the country to raise and share energy to protect our green and pleasant land.
Samhain Party: Once again we're having a fancy dress party for Samhain. This year it will be on Saturday 26th October and the theme is Alice's Adventures Underground - think White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, Alice Through the Looking Glass etc.
Monday, 5 August 2013
August Moot Update
Unfortunately, Harry Scanlan will not be able to do his talk on Ogham at the August Moot as planned. It's now postponed until the September Moot (Tuesday 10th September). We're sorry for the short notice.
Of course, this now means that we don't have a particular topic for discussion next week, so any suggestions are welcome, especially at this late stage. It may have to be a pull-a-question-out-of-the-hat Moot :)
Of course, this now means that we don't have a particular topic for discussion next week, so any suggestions are welcome, especially at this late stage. It may have to be a pull-a-question-out-of-the-hat Moot :)
Latest News!
After talking to the lovely Elaine Speakman who did a fascinating talk on nature spirits at the Pagan Wheel Moot on Monday, I am very pleased to announce that Elaine will be doing a talk for us on ley lines round Bury and Radcliffe at the August Moot.Wednesday, 24 July 2013
July Announcements
Running a bit late with this again. Busy, busy, busy!
We have a speaker for the next Moot. Our good pal, Harry Scanlan has stepped up to the mark and offered us a talk on the Ogham. Thanks, Harry!
We've also been so busy that we haven't been able to suss out our annual Whinberry Walk, and all the Saurdays and Sundays around Lughnasadh are spoken for. So, we're going to cheat slightly because it's the school holidays and go on Monday 29th instead.
If you fancy coming along, meet us in the car park of The Shoulder of Mutton in Holcombe Village at 11am. Bring your butties in a box and you can use it to collect whinberries on the way down.
See you soon,
Seán x
We have a speaker for the next Moot. Our good pal, Harry Scanlan has stepped up to the mark and offered us a talk on the Ogham. Thanks, Harry!
We've also been so busy that we haven't been able to suss out our annual Whinberry Walk, and all the Saurdays and Sundays around Lughnasadh are spoken for. So, we're going to cheat slightly because it's the school holidays and go on Monday 29th instead.
If you fancy coming along, meet us in the car park of The Shoulder of Mutton in Holcombe Village at 11am. Bring your butties in a box and you can use it to collect whinberries on the way down.
See you soon,
Seán x
Sunday, 30 June 2013
June Moot
Thank you everyone who came along for the June social moot. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get round to the write-up and announcements. It was good to have a chit-chat :)Announcements
Saturday 13th July: Pagancon at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club, featuring some fabulous talks and workshops, dancing from Stone the Crows and music by Damh the Bard.Sunday 14th to Tuesday 16th July: Rehearsal Space at Fab Cafe on Portland Street, Manchester, a play featuring our friend Anne :)
Saturday 20th July: Sara & Janiko's 40th Birthday Bellydance Extravaganza
Friday 26th July: ArA. We'll be getting our Goff on and going dancing as part of my Big Birthday Month. Come and help remind me that being 40 doesn't mean I have to stop being fabulous :)
July Moot
This will be on Tuesday 9th July. Bridget's offered to do her talk on The Radcliffe Zodiac, which promises to be irreverent and entertaining - as long as Moot night doesn't clash with work stuff. We'll come up with an alternative if Bridget can't make it.We're still open to offers/suggestions for future Moots.
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
April Announcements
A bleary Good Morning from Radcliffe Moot Towers. Thanks to everyone who turned up last night, to those poor souls who were forced to do silly things by me and if you weren't there, you missed my singing!
Moots!
The next moot on 14th May will be much more sensible because we have wild woman extraordinaire, Edwina, taking us for a wild herb ramble. To catch as much daylight as possible, we'll be starting the moot an hour earlier than usual at 7pm. I've been on one of Edwina's rambles and can honestly say it's both a treat and an education.
After that we don't really have anything planned, so we're open to suggestions, ideas, requests, threats ...
We have had a couple of suggestions for some undecided points in the future. One is a massage moot, concentrating on things like hands and feet as much as backs and shoulders, possibly with a sideline discussion about touching and personal space.
The other suggestion is for a Blue Peter style planting and seed-sowing moot using up-cycled materials.
Whaddya think, folks?
Coming Up
If you're a vegetablist like me you might be interested in the Northern Vegan Festival, which is happening this Saturday 13th April at Sachas Hotel, Tib St, Manchester. it starts at 10am and goes on all day. Entrance will cost you a whole pound!
After that, of course, there's our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine Party. Hoorah!
It's on Saturday 27th April, here at Radcliffe Moot Towers and festivities start at 8pm. We don't need any firewood this year but we can always do with maypole dancers and bonfire singists.
See you then!
Love and burny things,
Seán
xx
Moots!
The next moot on 14th May will be much more sensible because we have wild woman extraordinaire, Edwina, taking us for a wild herb ramble. To catch as much daylight as possible, we'll be starting the moot an hour earlier than usual at 7pm. I've been on one of Edwina's rambles and can honestly say it's both a treat and an education.
After that we don't really have anything planned, so we're open to suggestions, ideas, requests, threats ...
We have had a couple of suggestions for some undecided points in the future. One is a massage moot, concentrating on things like hands and feet as much as backs and shoulders, possibly with a sideline discussion about touching and personal space.
The other suggestion is for a Blue Peter style planting and seed-sowing moot using up-cycled materials.
Whaddya think, folks?
Coming Up
If you're a vegetablist like me you might be interested in the Northern Vegan Festival, which is happening this Saturday 13th April at Sachas Hotel, Tib St, Manchester. it starts at 10am and goes on all day. Entrance will cost you a whole pound!
After that, of course, there's our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine Party. Hoorah!
It's on Saturday 27th April, here at Radcliffe Moot Towers and festivities start at 8pm. We don't need any firewood this year but we can always do with maypole dancers and bonfire singists.
See you then!
Love and burny things,
Seán
xx
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
March Announcements.
Hello everybody from Radcliffe Moot Towers which is currently being filled by the most beautiful Welsh music ever. Here are the announcements from last night's moot.
Next Two
Due to work commitments I had to postpone my Dionysian Spirit talk last night, so I'm doing it next month - Tuesday 9th April - assuming, of course, that nobody gives me any paying work on that day!
On 14th May Edwina is going to take us for a wild food/herb walk. So we'll have enough time before it goes dark we'll be starting an hour early at 7pm. Should be good.
Other Stuff
There's a "bedroom tax" (under-occupancy rules for housing benefit) protest in Manchester. If you want to go it starts at 1pm in Piccadilly Gardens this Saturday 16th April.
For the vegetablists among us, the Northern Vegan Festival will be happening at Sachas Hotel on Tib Street on Saturday 13th April. Doors open at 10am and it goes on until 6pm.
Finally, we have a date for our Bealtaine Party - Saturday 27th April, 8pm onwards. Bring your best Wicker Man singing voice!
Back to the music.
Hwyl!
Seán xx
Next Two
Due to work commitments I had to postpone my Dionysian Spirit talk last night, so I'm doing it next month - Tuesday 9th April - assuming, of course, that nobody gives me any paying work on that day!
On 14th May Edwina is going to take us for a wild food/herb walk. So we'll have enough time before it goes dark we'll be starting an hour early at 7pm. Should be good.
Other Stuff
There's a "bedroom tax" (under-occupancy rules for housing benefit) protest in Manchester. If you want to go it starts at 1pm in Piccadilly Gardens this Saturday 16th April.
For the vegetablists among us, the Northern Vegan Festival will be happening at Sachas Hotel on Tib Street on Saturday 13th April. Doors open at 10am and it goes on until 6pm.
Finally, we have a date for our Bealtaine Party - Saturday 27th April, 8pm onwards. Bring your best Wicker Man singing voice!
Back to the music.
Hwyl!
Seán xx
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
January Announcements
Woohoo! On time for once!
Hello and thanks to everybody who came round last night to fling Poo and go through Therapy afterwards.
We only have a few announcements, and here they are:
Our annual Wassail party will be on Saturday 19th January from 8pm.
Please do come and help us shout at the apple trees. Any donations of apple-based victuals and/or firewood will be much appreciated. Don't forget your hat!
ARA is happening on my birthday this year, so that's where we're going for a good old Goth-Out. It's on Friday 25th January. Please contact us for details if you fancy joining us.
The next moot will be taken over by Pete on 12th February. He'll be talking about a trip to India, showing a film and hosting a discussion on spirituality and mountains.
I'll be doing my Dionysian Spirit talk on 12th March, and Bridget has offered to do her Radcliffe Zodiac thingy at some future juncture we've yet to decide on.
We still need more though. If you want to do a Moot, suggest a Moot or request a Moot please let us know.
Th-th-th-that's all folks!
Love,
Seán
Hello and thanks to everybody who came round last night to fling Poo and go through Therapy afterwards.
We only have a few announcements, and here they are:
Our annual Wassail party will be on Saturday 19th January from 8pm.
Please do come and help us shout at the apple trees. Any donations of apple-based victuals and/or firewood will be much appreciated. Don't forget your hat!
ARA is happening on my birthday this year, so that's where we're going for a good old Goth-Out. It's on Friday 25th January. Please contact us for details if you fancy joining us.
The next moot will be taken over by Pete on 12th February. He'll be talking about a trip to India, showing a film and hosting a discussion on spirituality and mountains.
I'll be doing my Dionysian Spirit talk on 12th March, and Bridget has offered to do her Radcliffe Zodiac thingy at some future juncture we've yet to decide on.
We still need more though. If you want to do a Moot, suggest a Moot or request a Moot please let us know.
Th-th-th-that's all folks!
Love,
Seán
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
December Announcements (in January)
Hey, guess what I forgot!
The next two moots will be in Tuesday 8th January and Tuesday 12th February. January's will be our annual games night, and I think we'll be flinging Poo© like monkeys. It's a card game. Honest!
After that we don't know what we've got. I'll be doing my postponed Dionysian Spirit talk at some point, but we're still very much open to offers and suggestions. If you want a moot or you want to do a moot, please let us know.
Our Wassail Party will be on Saturday 19th January this year. Please do join us for for fun, frivolity and shouting at apple trees. Any donations of firewood and apple-based food and beverages will be greatly appreciated..
Finally, we'd love to fill ARA with Pagans to celebrate my birthday on Friday 25th January. Please do come along and have a dance.
For those who don't know, ARA is an utterly wonderful goth night held in a 17th century church. The church is called Sacred Trinity and it's at the junction of Blackfriars Street and Chapel Street in Salford, just the other side of the river from Manchester. Doors open at 9pm. It's a fiver to get in, bring your own drinks.
That's it.
On behalf of the Radcliffe moot I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous, sexy, celebratory 2013.
Love,
Seán
xx
The next two moots will be in Tuesday 8th January and Tuesday 12th February. January's will be our annual games night, and I think we'll be flinging Poo© like monkeys. It's a card game. Honest!
After that we don't know what we've got. I'll be doing my postponed Dionysian Spirit talk at some point, but we're still very much open to offers and suggestions. If you want a moot or you want to do a moot, please let us know.
Our Wassail Party will be on Saturday 19th January this year. Please do join us for for fun, frivolity and shouting at apple trees. Any donations of firewood and apple-based food and beverages will be greatly appreciated..
Finally, we'd love to fill ARA with Pagans to celebrate my birthday on Friday 25th January. Please do come along and have a dance.
For those who don't know, ARA is an utterly wonderful goth night held in a 17th century church. The church is called Sacred Trinity and it's at the junction of Blackfriars Street and Chapel Street in Salford, just the other side of the river from Manchester. Doors open at 9pm. It's a fiver to get in, bring your own drinks.
That's it.
On behalf of the Radcliffe moot I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous, sexy, celebratory 2013.
Love,
Seán
xx
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
November Announcements
Hello again!
Thank you to everybody who came last night and shared stories. A good time was had by all, and who knew that Alf Withington was such a talented writer?
Not many announcements this time.
Next month, 11th December, we'll be having our annual quiz. Questions by me on a variety of subjects including sacred sites, Roman mythology, Tarot and anything else I can think of. The winner will receive the grand prize of a bottle of dandelion wine.
The January moot on the 8th will be our annual games night. We're open to ideas because so far we're playing Poo! Yes, that is what it's called.
The Bolton, Chorley and Preston moots are getting together for a big Yule ritual in Chorley on Sunday 23rd December. If you're interested and want more details contact Bendy Sally of the Bolton moot. Or, if you can't, contact us and we'll put you in touch.
We've also decided on a provisional date for the Wassail next year - Saturday 19th January.
Finally, we're considering a good old Goth trip to ARA on Friday 23rd of this month. Anyone who fancies joining us will be most welcome. However, even if we can't go we WILL be going on 25th January for my birthday. Ask us if you want details.
That's it! See you in December.
xx
Thank you to everybody who came last night and shared stories. A good time was had by all, and who knew that Alf Withington was such a talented writer?
Not many announcements this time.
Next month, 11th December, we'll be having our annual quiz. Questions by me on a variety of subjects including sacred sites, Roman mythology, Tarot and anything else I can think of. The winner will receive the grand prize of a bottle of dandelion wine.
The January moot on the 8th will be our annual games night. We're open to ideas because so far we're playing Poo! Yes, that is what it's called.
The Bolton, Chorley and Preston moots are getting together for a big Yule ritual in Chorley on Sunday 23rd December. If you're interested and want more details contact Bendy Sally of the Bolton moot. Or, if you can't, contact us and we'll put you in touch.
We've also decided on a provisional date for the Wassail next year - Saturday 19th January.
Finally, we're considering a good old Goth trip to ARA on Friday 23rd of this month. Anyone who fancies joining us will be most welcome. However, even if we can't go we WILL be going on 25th January for my birthday. Ask us if you want details.
That's it! See you in December.
xx
Monday, 15 October 2012
October, and we're back!
Hello my freaky darlings.
I had pretty much given up on this blog because I thought nobody read it. Turns out I was wrong. At least two people read it, and that's enough for me. So, we're back on the blogosphere. Hurrah!
There's only a little to advertise, though.
The next two moots will be 13th November and 11th December.
The November moot will be our annual storytelling night. Please bring along a story. Any kind of story will do. It could be a favourite fairy tale, a deep and mysterious Lovecraftian horror, a silly episode from your life. Two things to take note of - please no more than ten minutes in the telling of your story, so we've all got time, AND there will be children taking part so graphic sex and violence would be best avoided. At least until they've gone to bed.
In December we'll be having our annual quiz night. Details to follow.
Finally, this year's Samhain fancy dress party will be on Saturday 27th October from 8pm onwards at Radcliffe Moot Towers. The theme will be Superheroes and Supervillains. We're also thinking of setting up a little shrine in a quiet corner for anyone who wants to honour any loved ones who have left us this year.
As requested, here's a list of the books that were reviewed at the October Moot, so if there's anything that caught your fancy you can look it up and beg, borrow, or order one from amazon :-)
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance by Robert M Pirsig
Gluten Free Baking by Phil Vickery (that's going on my wish list!)
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Growing Sustainability by Dave of Darlington
And, we know it's not a book, Tooth & Claw (Dr Who episode) and a comparison of the treatment of the werewolf in the story with traditional werewolf mythology
That's it! See you at Samhain.
Seán and Sara
xx
I had pretty much given up on this blog because I thought nobody read it. Turns out I was wrong. At least two people read it, and that's enough for me. So, we're back on the blogosphere. Hurrah!
There's only a little to advertise, though.
The next two moots will be 13th November and 11th December.
The November moot will be our annual storytelling night. Please bring along a story. Any kind of story will do. It could be a favourite fairy tale, a deep and mysterious Lovecraftian horror, a silly episode from your life. Two things to take note of - please no more than ten minutes in the telling of your story, so we've all got time, AND there will be children taking part so graphic sex and violence would be best avoided. At least until they've gone to bed.
In December we'll be having our annual quiz night. Details to follow.
Finally, this year's Samhain fancy dress party will be on Saturday 27th October from 8pm onwards at Radcliffe Moot Towers. The theme will be Superheroes and Supervillains. We're also thinking of setting up a little shrine in a quiet corner for anyone who wants to honour any loved ones who have left us this year.
As requested, here's a list of the books that were reviewed at the October Moot, so if there's anything that caught your fancy you can look it up and beg, borrow, or order one from amazon :-)
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance by Robert M Pirsig
Gluten Free Baking by Phil Vickery (that's going on my wish list!)
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Growing Sustainability by Dave of Darlington
And, we know it's not a book, Tooth & Claw (Dr Who episode) and a comparison of the treatment of the werewolf in the story with traditional werewolf mythology
That's it! See you at Samhain.
Seán and Sara
xx
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
May Announcements
Hello everybody and we hope you're all fully recovered from Bealtaine. The blog's on time this month to make of for not even appearing at all last month. Oops!
The Next Two Moots
On Tuesday 12th June, Linda has offered us a talk on the Germanic goddess, Frau Holle, which should be good.
On Tuesday 10th July, I'll be taking us on a local history and mythology field trip to Radcliffe Tower. Meet up in the car park at Radcliffe Metrolink Station, Spring Lane M26 2SZ at 8pm. It's about a ten-minute stroll from there to the Tower. Here's a map
Coming Up.
For folk who like a bit of Morris Dance, Stone the Crows are dancing in Tockholes on Thursday evening 10th May, Southport Swords are dancing in Liverpool on Saturday 19th May and Rivington Morris will be dancing in the Longridge Field Day parade on Saturday 9th June.
As far as we know the Bolton Moot (Tues 15th May at the Man & Scythe) and the Manchester Pagan Wheel (Mon 4th June at the Waldorf on Gore St) are on as normal but we're a bit low on information. If anybody knows what's happening please let us know too.
Nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's fun and lots of Pagans go), Manchester has a meet-up for polyamorous people. Polymeet is 2pm onwards at the Night & Day on Oldham St on Saturday 12th May. Look for the parrot, or failing that a bunch of very friendly people. Just ask!
Still nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's also fun and lots of Pagans go), we'll be having a trip to Ara on Friday 25th May. Anybody who wants to join us will be very welcome. Check out this link for the details.
Again nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's eco-fun and some Pagans do it), World Naked Bike Ride is happening again on the evening of Friday 1st June. It's Manchester's 7th ride and all the details can be found here.
Only very, very tenuously connected to Paganism (via Madame Blavatsky and me), Whitefield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will be performing Blithe Spirit at the Whitefield Garrick from Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th June, which also means I won't be at Linda's moot. Tickets are £7 from this link.
Finally, something that really is Pagan. Well be having a Summer Solstice picnic during the day and probably into the evening on Saturday 23rd June. The only problem is we don't know where yet. Suggestions have included Rivington Pike, Edale and my favourite, Alderley Edge, but if you can think of somewhere better ...
That's all for now. See you soon.
Seán
xxx
The Next Two Moots
On Tuesday 12th June, Linda has offered us a talk on the Germanic goddess, Frau Holle, which should be good.
On Tuesday 10th July, I'll be taking us on a local history and mythology field trip to Radcliffe Tower. Meet up in the car park at Radcliffe Metrolink Station, Spring Lane M26 2SZ at 8pm. It's about a ten-minute stroll from there to the Tower. Here's a map
Coming Up.
For folk who like a bit of Morris Dance, Stone the Crows are dancing in Tockholes on Thursday evening 10th May, Southport Swords are dancing in Liverpool on Saturday 19th May and Rivington Morris will be dancing in the Longridge Field Day parade on Saturday 9th June.
As far as we know the Bolton Moot (Tues 15th May at the Man & Scythe) and the Manchester Pagan Wheel (Mon 4th June at the Waldorf on Gore St) are on as normal but we're a bit low on information. If anybody knows what's happening please let us know too.
Nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's fun and lots of Pagans go), Manchester has a meet-up for polyamorous people. Polymeet is 2pm onwards at the Night & Day on Oldham St on Saturday 12th May. Look for the parrot, or failing that a bunch of very friendly people. Just ask!
Still nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's also fun and lots of Pagans go), we'll be having a trip to Ara on Friday 25th May. Anybody who wants to join us will be very welcome. Check out this link for the details.
Again nothing much to do with Paganism (except that it's eco-fun and some Pagans do it), World Naked Bike Ride is happening again on the evening of Friday 1st June. It's Manchester's 7th ride and all the details can be found here.
Only very, very tenuously connected to Paganism (via Madame Blavatsky and me), Whitefield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will be performing Blithe Spirit at the Whitefield Garrick from Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th June, which also means I won't be at Linda's moot. Tickets are £7 from this link.
Finally, something that really is Pagan. Well be having a Summer Solstice picnic during the day and probably into the evening on Saturday 23rd June. The only problem is we don't know where yet. Suggestions have included Rivington Pike, Edale and my favourite, Alderley Edge, but if you can think of somewhere better ...
That's all for now. See you soon.
Seán
xxx
Thursday, 15 March 2012
March Announcements
Hello again all you lovely people who are now educated all about trolls. Thanks to Brynjar for commentary and, of course, the loan of the film. Here's what we're doing next.
The Next Two Moots
We're going to attempt to get Bridget to move her wry look at earth zodiacs to 10th April and Peter has offered to take us back to Norway with a slide show on 8th May.
A little further ahead, Linda has offered to take over the June Moot with a talk on Frau Holle which has kindly allowed me to move our trip to Radcliffe Tower to July.
Hooray, it's all working out.
Coming Up
Nothing to do with Paganism, except for the fact that I'm in it - Whitefield AODS is putting on a production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Paragon in Prestwich from 21st to 24th March, curtain up at 7:30pm. Tickets are a tenner and available via the number on the website or (if you're lucky) on the door.
On Saturday 14th April Rivington Morris will be holding a day of dance in and around Bolton town centre. It's in honour of the late member, Barbara Bolton and a charity collection will also be made.
Still in Bolton, John Doughty will be giving his talk again on the Pendle Witches at the Octagon Theatre on Thursday 19th. Tickets are a fiver and we've been told they sell out fast.
Rivington Morris are back again on Sunday 22nd April, performing in the Manchester St George's Day Parade. The website is out of date, but we assume it starts from Varley St, Miles Platting at 11:30 am
We've just been told about the Shaggy Dog Storytellers who meet up monthly in Hebden Bridge. If you're interested you can find them here.
Unless you've been living under a rock you'll already know about our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine party, but I'm going to tell you anyway. 8pm onwards, Saturday 28th April at Radcliffe Moot Towers. We'll have a Wicker Man to burn, a bonfire, a maypole and, of course, the film - with songsheets!
Finally, for anyone who fancies a trip to Yorkshire the Thornborough Henge Bealtaine Celebration is on Sunday 6th May from noon onwards.
That's enough from me, see you soon
Seán xx
The Next Two Moots
We're going to attempt to get Bridget to move her wry look at earth zodiacs to 10th April and Peter has offered to take us back to Norway with a slide show on 8th May.
A little further ahead, Linda has offered to take over the June Moot with a talk on Frau Holle which has kindly allowed me to move our trip to Radcliffe Tower to July.
Hooray, it's all working out.
Coming Up
Nothing to do with Paganism, except for the fact that I'm in it - Whitefield AODS is putting on a production of Little Shop of Horrors at the Paragon in Prestwich from 21st to 24th March, curtain up at 7:30pm. Tickets are a tenner and available via the number on the website or (if you're lucky) on the door.
On Saturday 14th April Rivington Morris will be holding a day of dance in and around Bolton town centre. It's in honour of the late member, Barbara Bolton and a charity collection will also be made.
Still in Bolton, John Doughty will be giving his talk again on the Pendle Witches at the Octagon Theatre on Thursday 19th. Tickets are a fiver and we've been told they sell out fast.
Rivington Morris are back again on Sunday 22nd April, performing in the Manchester St George's Day Parade. The website is out of date, but we assume it starts from Varley St, Miles Platting at 11:30 am
We've just been told about the Shaggy Dog Storytellers who meet up monthly in Hebden Bridge. If you're interested you can find them here.
Unless you've been living under a rock you'll already know about our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine party, but I'm going to tell you anyway. 8pm onwards, Saturday 28th April at Radcliffe Moot Towers. We'll have a Wicker Man to burn, a bonfire, a maypole and, of course, the film - with songsheets!
Finally, for anyone who fancies a trip to Yorkshire the Thornborough Henge Bealtaine Celebration is on Sunday 6th May from noon onwards.
That's enough from me, see you soon
Seán xx
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Addendum!
Due to a slight diary-based cock-up, Bridget won't be able to do this month's moot on 13th March.
However, the Radcliffe Moot's very own Scandinavian hero, Brynjar, has bravely agreed to step up to the mark and bring his talk forward by a month.
He will be treating us to a screening of - and commentary on - the film, Trollhunter. Actually, if you say that in a Norwegian accent it sounds much better.
See you on Tuesday,
Seán
x
However, the Radcliffe Moot's very own Scandinavian hero, Brynjar, has bravely agreed to step up to the mark and bring his talk forward by a month.
He will be treating us to a screening of - and commentary on - the film, Trollhunter. Actually, if you say that in a Norwegian accent it sounds much better.
See you on Tuesday,
Seán
x
Thursday, 16 February 2012
February Announcements
A day late, but I'm blaming everybody else for forcing me to drink all that wine.
Thank you to Emma for a fascinating talk and discussion. Shame we couldn't have had more people, but St. Valentine beat us to the date.
Next Moots
On 13th March we'll be looking with a wry eye at earth zodiacs with Bridget. We may even see if we can't find one for Radcliffe.
Brynjar will be taking over on 10th April and treating us to a film night. The film in question is Trollhunter, enlivened by Brynjar's copious knowledge of Scandinavian mythology and folklore. It's in Norwegian with English subtitles, by the way.
Coming Up
Sorry for the short-notice announcement, but if you fancy a ceilidh there's one on tonight (16th Feb), featuring the inimitable Rivington Morris. It's at Ramsbottom Civic Hall and costs £8 each.
The Bolton Moot is next week, Tuesday 21st February at the Man & Scythe. We haven't been given any specific details so we reckon it's a social.
Heading into March (and nothing to do with Paganism apart from the fact that I'm in it), Whitefield AODS is putting Little Shop of Horrors on at The Paragon in Prestwich, from Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th.
For any sparkly friends out there, the first ever Pendle Faery Ball will be happening on the 7th April in Billington, Clitheroe. There will be bands, fire displays and a craft fayre. Tickets can be acquired here.
Finally, get saving up your booze, firewood, singing voice and sillyness for our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine Party on Saturday 28th April. See you there.
Springtime hugs,
Seán x
Thank you to Emma for a fascinating talk and discussion. Shame we couldn't have had more people, but St. Valentine beat us to the date.
Next Moots
On 13th March we'll be looking with a wry eye at earth zodiacs with Bridget. We may even see if we can't find one for Radcliffe.
Brynjar will be taking over on 10th April and treating us to a film night. The film in question is Trollhunter, enlivened by Brynjar's copious knowledge of Scandinavian mythology and folklore. It's in Norwegian with English subtitles, by the way.
Coming Up
Sorry for the short-notice announcement, but if you fancy a ceilidh there's one on tonight (16th Feb), featuring the inimitable Rivington Morris. It's at Ramsbottom Civic Hall and costs £8 each.
The Bolton Moot is next week, Tuesday 21st February at the Man & Scythe. We haven't been given any specific details so we reckon it's a social.
Heading into March (and nothing to do with Paganism apart from the fact that I'm in it), Whitefield AODS is putting Little Shop of Horrors on at The Paragon in Prestwich, from Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th.
For any sparkly friends out there, the first ever Pendle Faery Ball will be happening on the 7th April in Billington, Clitheroe. There will be bands, fire displays and a craft fayre. Tickets can be acquired here.
Finally, get saving up your booze, firewood, singing voice and sillyness for our annual Wicker Man Bealtaine Party on Saturday 28th April. See you there.
Springtime hugs,
Seán x
Thursday, 12 January 2012
January Announcements
A day late but at least it's better than last month when I forgot to write anything at all. Ooops!
Anyway ...
The Next Few Moots
Next month, Feb 14th rather appropriately, we'll be having a talk from Rainy City Roller Derby Girl, Emma on "Pink Paganism. A path for the not-straight". Asking people if they like musicals, standard lamps or Chardonnay will be banned!
After that our friend Bridget has offered some occult psychogeography in the form of a talk on earth zodiacs and search for the Radcliffe Zodiac. That will be on 13th March.
We're a bit light for April and May, so if you fancy a request or to make an offer, you know where we are. In June, I'm going to be taking over with a little field trip for some local history and mythology. It will involve meeting up at a pub rather than Radcliffe Moot Towers, details coming soon.
Coming Up
If you hadn't realised the Wassail is on this coming Saturday (the 14th January), where have you been? 8pm onwards folks. Any donations of food and drink to share (veggie/vegan please) or firewood to burn will be gladly accepted. Don't forget your hat!
If anyone fancies blowing their hangover away, a group of nice folks have organised a walk around Bromley Cross (where the little stone circle is), Jumbles and Edgeworth. Meet at Bolton train station 11am and finish eventually at the Strawberry Duck.
The Bolton Moot will be happening at The Olde Man & Scythe on Tuesday 17th, 8pm onwards. We think it's just a social this time
We're taking a trip to Ara on Friday 27th of this month to celebrate a certain Dionysian's birthday (How old? Ye gods!). Anybody who fancies joining us will be most welcome and probably cuddled by a drunkard.
Marsden ImBolg Fire Festival, despite worries to the contrary, will be happening again this year. It's not well advertised on the web so no link, but the procession starts at 7pm from the goods yard behind the railway station. Heck, just follow the crowds, it'll all work out.
Could somebody order nice weather this time? We nearly drowned last year.
We've also booked the date for our Bealtaine Wicker Man party. It'll be Saturday 28th April (which doesn't clash with Thornborough Henge this year, so yay!). I know we're jumping the gun a bit but we're arranging around a visit from some lovely friends from California.
Finally
We've recently been told about the Pagan Blog Project. They are looking for contributors to write a few lines every Friday on a subject starting with a given letter. Give it a look, it could prove interesting.
And that's it. Hope to see you at the Wassail.
Keep warm and well!
Love,
Seán
Anyway ...
The Next Few Moots
Next month, Feb 14th rather appropriately, we'll be having a talk from Rainy City Roller Derby Girl, Emma on "Pink Paganism. A path for the not-straight". Asking people if they like musicals, standard lamps or Chardonnay will be banned!
After that our friend Bridget has offered some occult psychogeography in the form of a talk on earth zodiacs and search for the Radcliffe Zodiac. That will be on 13th March.
We're a bit light for April and May, so if you fancy a request or to make an offer, you know where we are. In June, I'm going to be taking over with a little field trip for some local history and mythology. It will involve meeting up at a pub rather than Radcliffe Moot Towers, details coming soon.
Coming Up
If you hadn't realised the Wassail is on this coming Saturday (the 14th January), where have you been? 8pm onwards folks. Any donations of food and drink to share (veggie/vegan please) or firewood to burn will be gladly accepted. Don't forget your hat!
If anyone fancies blowing their hangover away, a group of nice folks have organised a walk around Bromley Cross (where the little stone circle is), Jumbles and Edgeworth. Meet at Bolton train station 11am and finish eventually at the Strawberry Duck.
The Bolton Moot will be happening at The Olde Man & Scythe on Tuesday 17th, 8pm onwards. We think it's just a social this time
We're taking a trip to Ara on Friday 27th of this month to celebrate a certain Dionysian's birthday (How old? Ye gods!). Anybody who fancies joining us will be most welcome and probably cuddled by a drunkard.
Marsden ImBolg Fire Festival, despite worries to the contrary, will be happening again this year. It's not well advertised on the web so no link, but the procession starts at 7pm from the goods yard behind the railway station. Heck, just follow the crowds, it'll all work out.
Could somebody order nice weather this time? We nearly drowned last year.
We've also booked the date for our Bealtaine Wicker Man party. It'll be Saturday 28th April (which doesn't clash with Thornborough Henge this year, so yay!). I know we're jumping the gun a bit but we're arranging around a visit from some lovely friends from California.
Finally
We've recently been told about the Pagan Blog Project. They are looking for contributors to write a few lines every Friday on a subject starting with a given letter. Give it a look, it could prove interesting.
And that's it. Hope to see you at the Wassail.
Keep warm and well!
Love,
Seán
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
November announcements
Hiya and thank you to everybody who came with their stories last night. It was a lot of fun and there was an excellent mix of tales. Just watch out for that Big, Bad Hamster!
The Next Two Moots
The Moot on 13th December will be the annual quiz: thirty questions on Pagan art, herbs, astrology, tree lore, crystals, famous Pagans, witchcraft, gods & goddesses and British traditions. The winner will, of course, receive a bottle of our finest home-brewed wine. Feel free to insert the traditional joke about second prize and two bottles.
The 10th January will have our annual games night. We're open to ideas, so if there's any game you think would be good give us a shout.
We're also open to speakers and suggestions again. Would you like a particular topic or event? Can you do a talk or a workshop?
Coming up
The John Rylands library in Manchester in having a Green Man month all November. It's a beautiful building and there are guided tours if you want them.
If anyone fancies a night at the theatre, WAODS are presenting their production of Little Women at Radcliffe Civic Hall from the 16th to 19th November. It's got nothing to do with Paganism, but I'm in it (in the chorus) so I'm gleefully abusing my position as Moot blog writer to give it a good old plug. Bring tissues!
The Bolton Moot at the Man & Scythe is having a talk by Emma Riddiford called Pink Paganism, a Path for the Not Straight on Tuesday 15th November from 7:30pm. Emma's a good friend of mine and she knows her stuff, which makes it annoying for those of us who can't get there! Perhaps we can sweet talk her into doing the whole thing again for us.
For those who like to rock, there's a day of metal at the Hark to Towler in Tottington, Bury on Sunday 18th December. Be there or still have your full range of hearing!
We've also come up with a provisional date for the Wassail - Saturday 14th January. Pop it in your diary (when you get a new one).
Finally
The Radcliffe moot would like to join with everyone else in sending our condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of John Jewitt, who died on 31st October. John wasn't just the landlord of the Olde Man & Scythe and an impersonator of the Earl of Derby, he was also a really nice man and a friend of the Pagan community. He will be missed.
Love,
Seán
The Next Two Moots
The Moot on 13th December will be the annual quiz: thirty questions on Pagan art, herbs, astrology, tree lore, crystals, famous Pagans, witchcraft, gods & goddesses and British traditions. The winner will, of course, receive a bottle of our finest home-brewed wine. Feel free to insert the traditional joke about second prize and two bottles.
The 10th January will have our annual games night. We're open to ideas, so if there's any game you think would be good give us a shout.
We're also open to speakers and suggestions again. Would you like a particular topic or event? Can you do a talk or a workshop?
Coming up
The John Rylands library in Manchester in having a Green Man month all November. It's a beautiful building and there are guided tours if you want them.
If anyone fancies a night at the theatre, WAODS are presenting their production of Little Women at Radcliffe Civic Hall from the 16th to 19th November. It's got nothing to do with Paganism, but I'm in it (in the chorus) so I'm gleefully abusing my position as Moot blog writer to give it a good old plug. Bring tissues!
The Bolton Moot at the Man & Scythe is having a talk by Emma Riddiford called Pink Paganism, a Path for the Not Straight on Tuesday 15th November from 7:30pm. Emma's a good friend of mine and she knows her stuff, which makes it annoying for those of us who can't get there! Perhaps we can sweet talk her into doing the whole thing again for us.
For those who like to rock, there's a day of metal at the Hark to Towler in Tottington, Bury on Sunday 18th December. Be there or still have your full range of hearing!
We've also come up with a provisional date for the Wassail - Saturday 14th January. Pop it in your diary (when you get a new one).
Finally
The Radcliffe moot would like to join with everyone else in sending our condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of John Jewitt, who died on 31st October. John wasn't just the landlord of the Olde Man & Scythe and an impersonator of the Earl of Derby, he was also a really nice man and a friend of the Pagan community. He will be missed.
Love,
Seán
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