Lymm Rushbearing

Sunday 10th August 2003

The practice of placing rushes on the church floor to absorb the residues brought in to the building by dirty feet goes back a long time and it is reported that Pope Gregory as far back as 827AD approved of this as a way of helping to keep things clean.

In 1869 it was reported in the Warrington Guardian that there were various village sports on a Monday in connection with the Rush Bearing but the actual procession had been on Saturday when there was various village sports and the rush cart was drawn through the streets by four grey horses, decorated with flags and bells. A great crowd collected around the cart. Indeed in those days Rush Bearing festivities could last the whole week. This was quite some event and remained so until about the middle part of the last century. All the shops were closed on the day and there was a school holiday.

Since its restoration in the early 1970s in Lymm the ceremony of Rush Bearing has Traditionally been held on a Monday, the Monday after the second Sunday in August preceding the Feast of The Asssumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Now a decision has been made to hold this event on a Sunday to foster better public support.

The new rushes symbolise a new beginning and the heritage that declares the importance of our Lymm forebears, watching over us and cheering us on!

Rather like spring cleaning it symbolises the clearing out of the old and making a fresh start and so the idea of re-dedicating ourselves to what is best in our community is strengthened by marching together.

This year the weather, despite a poor start, didn’t let us down. The vivacious Morris Men reinforced the traditional atmosphere of the occasion. The procession, led by Mr. Peter Powell, Town Crier, The Deputy Mayor of Warrington and The Parish Chairman, Cousellor Sheila Woodyatt and the May Queen, commenced from the Pepper Street Car Park and made its way past The Cross, up Eagle Brow and left into Brookfield Road, ably escorted by Police escort and then into Church Road past the dam to St. Mary’s for a short and uplifting service. There was a good turn out of those who carried their rushes and rush bearing garlands and the procession then returned to the Village Hall via Rectory Lane for refreshments and the judging of the rush bearing garlands.