Blessing of the Bower

Schoolchildren and dignitaries celebrated an age-old tradition in Woolmer Forest as they carried out a special blessing.
Children from Woolmer Hill School took a short trip to Walldown Ancient Monument, behind Alpine Road, to build a bower and continue a ritual that has taken place for centuries.
Famed 18th century naturalist Gilbert White recorded that on two of the highest points in the Royal Forest of Woolmer stood two bowers made from the boughs of oak. One was called Waldon Lodge and the other Brimstone Lodge, and the keepers renewed them annually on the Feast of St Barnabas, which fell on Midsummer’s Day - June 11.