A SUNNY Saturday saw villagers in Grasmere come together for the annual rushbearing procession.

The event went ahead despite a crisis meeting in May when it looked like the traditional event was going to fold.

New organisers Amy Burton, Will Clark, Charlotte Ellwood and Carrie Taylor stepped up to the challenge after years of dedication from Sonia Rickman who stepped down on health grounds.

Accompanied by Ulverston Town Band, the parade led by the golden cross made of Chrysanthemums and other decorated bearings were carried round the streets of the village by members of the community.

The origins of Rushbearing are thought to date back to the 13th century. Traditionally the Rush maidens are a key part of this procession.

The week leading up to Rushbearing involved a number of Rush crafting events led by Amy Burton and Carrie Taylor. These took place in Grasmere School, Allan Bank - the National Trust house - and Grasmere Parish Church.

People of all ages came together to prepare the traditional bearings that would be carried through the village on the Saturday afternoon. The events at school and Allan Bank helped to recruit many new faces from near and far. On the day itself visitors turned out in vast numbers to be part of the procession and included many local participants and even some from as far afield as China.

County Councillor Will Clark said “The amount of work that goes into a procession such as this cannot be underestimated. Seeing everything come together on the day was well worth the effort and everyone in the community were brilliant in doing what they could to support this event.

"Many said it was like the Rushbearing they remembered as children and that was certainly the aim of Amy and myself.”

Dr E Taylor helped pay for the flowers and Grasmere Co-Op supported the event with the presentation of a cheque for £250.

The following day the Buffs Club held a children’s sports on Grasmere Sports Field which as always proved popular including an adults obstacle race and fell races with the Taylor family cup (dating back to 1935) being reinstated for the first time in ten years for the winner of the under-17 fell race. There was also a duck race using coloured balls which proved popular with all won by Wendy Robinson.