Happy New Year folks!
Last night Hilary and I took the youngest girl over to Allendale Town to watch the ancient tradition of carrying tar barrels through the village, a spectacular event which attracts visitors from across the North East. This little "hoodie" is ours!
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The barrels are carried on the heads of "Guisers" a role often handed down through local families and much honoured. After the parade the flaming barrels are thrown onto a huge bonfire in the market square, marking the turn of the new year.
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The Guisers traditionally wore a standard costume but today there seems to be a trend towards a less "conventional" dress!
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Being New Year there is of course a romantic element, at one point we thought that this couple may need oxygen!
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As Hilary will testify, even short people need to take pictures! Somewhere in there is the eldest girl with her friends......