“Our lovely community is once again going to be doing its Rushbearing thing on Saturday 12th July! Back in the early years of St Oswald's church, the earth floor was covered in rushes. Every summer it would be swept out, and new rushes laid down. From that, to this... Our Rushbearing features maypoles and rush maidens, banners and bearings, gingerbread and a fell race. This year Lawrence Basham leads the service, and we are delighted to welcome him as our (relatively) new rector. The church will be full of happy laughter, and that feeling of a community coming together. I love it when so many, many of our school families have a proper opportunity to celebrate with the wider community.
“It's a unique thing, Grasmere Rushbearing, made of lots of contrasts - the stillness and quiet of the two days making bearings, the physicality of cutting rushes by the lake, the preparation of band and outfits and gingerbread making and marshals. And then the gentle procession, wending its way through visitors and baffled stationary traffic, singing and chatting. It's such a very old thing, and yet it feels absolutely right to still be doing it today.” Amy Burton
We need your help!
Please contact the Rushbearing committee if you can spare a few hours to marshal on the day, or to donate raffle prizes or sponsorship for the flowers and medals. Jonnie Perrem has kindly agreed to undertake the rush cutting.
Rushbearing winding at St Oswald’s and at Grasmere School: from 10am on Thursday 10th, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th July
We need lots of help to prepare the Rushbearings, please come when you can, all welcome, no experience required. Make your own prize-winning bearing, either original or traditional, or join with others to make a bearing that features every year. With 2025 being Lawrence’s first Rushbearing – let’s make it one to remember.
Rushbearing children's sports and fell race hosted Grasmere School on the afternoon of Friday 11th July.
Rushbearing day on Saturday 12th July
Congregate at Grasmere School from 2pm and process through the village departing at 3pm.
Burneside Band will lead us in our procession, gathering at Moss Parrock for a Rushbearing prayers, and ending at the church for a Rushbearing service. Winners of the sports, fell races and raffle receive their prizes after the service, with delicious traditional Rushbearing gingerbread from the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and ice cream for children who have taken part. The Rothay Garden will host the Rushmaidens for afternoon tea.
Prizes for the best bearings will be announced on Facebook on Monday 14th July.
Rushbearing is not quite over till the rushes and bearings are cleared away and "many hands make light work". Everyone is welcome, it’s always a fun day, so come on down to church if you can and enjoy the wrapping up of another year.
Look out for more information on posters and facebook closer to the time. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2455241781428723/
We hope to see you there,
Carrie, Lawrence, Sharon and Will