We started this term at Tilney with a special Molly Dancing service in the Church for “Plough Monday”. This is a tradition that has been in the village of Tilney All Saints since 1453. The tradition had died out over time, but it is something that we revived as a school as we feel that it is a really important part of our agricultural heritage. Plough Monday celebrates everything that our local farmers do for us and it centres on the tradition of dragging a decorated plough around a community by bands of young men who would knock on doors and ask for money, food or drink.
All of the children, and quite a few adults, enjoyed walking to the church with our decorated plough (kindly supplied and transported by Mr Wilkinson). The Ouse Wash Mollies joined in with our procession through the village and supported us by playing traditional music and singing some of the traditional songs. We would like to thank Mr Delamore for following our procession in his tractor, ensuring our safety and adding to the day!
Once in the church, we enjoyed the children leading the service telling us all about the history of Plough Monday and performing some of the Molly dances that they have been learning recently. We gave thanks for all of the local farmers producing food for us and spent time thinking about how hard life as a farmer can be.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable service, and the children loved performing for the audience. Thank you to all of the adults involved for supporting the children and coming to the service.
