BRIGHT sunshine provided the perfect setting for Ambleside Rushbearing last Saturday as the village’s historic and hallowed tradition of carrying flower-decorated rushes round the streets delighted onlookers.

However, there were changes this year as the picturesque custom took a step back in time and returned the procession to the order in which it used to be walked, with the youngest children leading at the front.

The procession dates back more than 400 years to the time when many churches still had earthen floors, and a layer of sweet-smelling rushes was strewn over them once a year providing a fresh floor covering. Only a handful of churches in England continued to celebrate Rushbearing, notably in Cumbria in Ambleside, Grasmere, Warcop, Great Musgrave and Urswick.

Heading the procession was the flower-decked Harp of David carried jointly by sisters Alexandra and Nathalie Meneaud in memory of their father, the late Gerry Meneaud, who traditionally carried The World. This is among the heaviest bearings and this year was carried by Andy Peak at the rear of the procession.

All those taking part were asked to carry a decorated bearing, as was the custom. Immediately behind the harp the procession was led by the children in order of age with the youngest in front walking unaccompanied.

The crown was carried by Christine Wright and the cross by Marina Thomlinson with the church wardens’ staves, members of the clergy and Burneside Brass Band in the middle. They were followed by accompanied children and their families, including those who come back specially for Rushbearing day. Bringing up the rear of the procession were the babies and toddlers in prams and pushchairs, some enjoying their first Rushbearing.

The procession paused in the Market Place for the singing of the Rushbearing hymn before returning to St Mary’s Parish Church for a short service led by the Team Rector, the Rev Beverley Lock. All who walked in the procession were rewarded with a slice of gingerbread, made to a secret Rushbearing recipe, and tea was provided for the children.

More excitement followed at the children’s Rushbearing Sports when Harry Bowen set a new modern-day record for the Loughrigg Fell Race which he completed in 11 minutes 30 seconds, thought to be the fastest time in more than 40 years. However, Clive Braithwaite’s all-time record of 10.32 from the 1970s remains unbeaten, remembered each year with the presentation of the winning cup, the Clive Braithwaite Memorial Trophy. The runners-up were Rowan Ashworth (12-00) and William Durkin (13-38) and the first girl home was Maisie Evans in (15-06) with her younger sister Joss hot on her heels at 15-59, and Nicole Dix in third place in 19-07.

The sports were organised by Ambleside Fire Service and winners of the fell race were presented with free family tickets and entry to the Junior Guides Race at Ambleside Sports on July 27.