St Mary’s Medieval Methanol
Late Wednesday afternoon and a *cough* crack photographer was despatched to the splendour of the churchyard at St Mary’s for a photo shoot to help plug the Church Ale event taking place over the weekend of 17th - 18th September.
Church? Beer? Hang on…
It’s not quite what you think, Comrades. Although not the main theme, beer is involved. The Church Ale is also a very inclusive event for all in the town - don’t let any religious prejudices put you off from enjoying the magnificent programme that has been put together.
The most splendid Church Ale website itself is probably a good starting point to define what is planned:
“In Medieval times, Ales’ were held in support of many different causes: The church-ale, held to encourage parishioners to come and pay their tithes and so to help pay for the upkeep of the church building; the bride-ale, used to benefit a newly married couple; the clerk-ale, to support the impoverished curate.
What all these ales have in common is that they were communal drinking sessions to raise funds. It was also an opportunity to socialise, and contributed to the social solidarity of the community.”
So yeah - it’s about beer, but more importantly it’s also about socialising and helping to build a sense of community. It’s also about watching the newly installed Mayor Needham get garbed up in some Medieval robe and leading a procession through the town.
I’ll drink to that.
A tremendous amount of planning has already been entered into this event. Co-operation with both local schools is key, as the organisers try to make this a genuine community supported occasion.
As for the actual ale? The fine folk of the Sticklegs Brewery in nearby Elmstead Market have been extremely supportive. Having sampled the booze at the recent Greyhound beer festival, it has already registered on my radar for the weekend of 17th - 18th September.
No booze passed my lips in the churchyard at St Mary’s on Wednesday afternoon for the photo shoot - I’m saving myself for September, fellow believers.
Chin chin.
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