We had an amazing time at the Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Gruelling, but amazing!
On Sunday, those of us who felt up to going to the church service even got the honour of pulling the cart up the hill. Fantastic! Not something I ever thought I would be able to do, and now something I will brag about until everyone’s sick of it.
The church service was also wonderful, both funny and moving, and I smuggled out an order of service so I could share the Rushbearing Hymn, which did honestly make me tear up a little.
Rushbearing Hymn
Today we come from town and fell
The cart adorned, the hills we climb
We sing the hymns we love so well
And worship at this rushbearing time.
The Ryburn streams, the Calder flows
Though generations pass away
And still our old tradition goes
From ancient past to present day.
Beside the Church our forebears sleep
Their spirits witness with our throng
How good to see the children keep
Our ancient feast with prayer and song.
Our garlands fall, our rushes fade
Man’s day is but a passing flower
Lord of thy mercy send us aid
And grant thy life’s eternal dower.
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