The villagers of Wellow still elect their May Queen by secret ballot each year. Last November at the annual Winter Fair, Gabriella Cooper (known as Gaby) was excited to be voted as May Queen for this year.
Gaby, who is 15 years old and lives in Southwell, has danced around the maypole each year since she was seven years old and is looking forward to being crowned on Maypole Day. Weekly dancing practices have already started to enable the children taking part to learn the intricate patterns, in what is very much a team effort.
Another sort of team effort will take place this month when the Maypole Committee runs its popular Bingo Night in Wellow Memorial Hall. This fundraising event will be held ahead of the actual Maypole Celebrations, on Saturday 26th April at 7.00pm at Wellow Memorial Hall. Official administrative costs, such as the road closure and traffic cone placement, have increased dramatically in the last few years. This means more money has to be raised to pay these hidden overheads. It promises to be a fun night out with cash prizes and a raffle. Tickets cost £5.00 adults and £3.00 children and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/wellow-maypole-committee-bingo-night. Enquiries can be made to pippa.wellowmaypole@gmail.com or 07525 214155.
More information about Wellow Maypole Celebrations in next month’s issue – the date for your diary is Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.