Special guest at Lammas 2007 was Lily, the Herne Bay Giant
The Eastbourne Giants, Herne and Andred were created for Eastbourne Pagan Circle in 2002 by Mel Myland of the then Wish Tower puppet museum.
Herne is a representation of a Pagan male deity known as Herne the Hunter who haunts Windsor Great Forest as the Head of the Wild Hunt. Herne is one aspect of the Horned God also known as the Green Man, Pan or Cernunnos.
Herne does not represent Satan or any ‘Devil’ deity – Satan being a Christian concept and not recognised in the Pagan religion.
Andred represents our beautiful ‘Goddess of the Weald’. She is a lunar Goddess of war and victory and gave her name to ‘Anderida’ which was the original name for Pevensey and surrounding areas (in saxon times known as Andredsweald).
Both Giants are made from wicker and papier mache based around a backpack frame, and despite their size are relatively light to carry. Our current ‘carriers’ are Matthew in Andred and Peter in Herne. The Boys do an excellent job of parading along sometimes lengthy routes and dancing in perfect time with each other despite reduced visibility!
The Giants are maintained by a small group of hard working but enthusiastic ‘helpers’. At the end of the parading year an all round ‘restoration’ ensues where any rips or improvements are made ready for the coming events. In their lifetime the Giants have been re-dressed several times but it is hoped that their current resplendent clothing will last for a while yet!
For more information about the Giants contact Sue by email.
The Pentacle Drummers were originally formed as a group to support the Giants and literally ‘beat a path’ for them in processions. From there we have evolved from a marching band into an ever growing enthusiastic bunch who can now hold their own in or out of the parade! Having said that, our priority is always to respectfully accompany our Lady and Lord as they walk and wherever the Giants are you will find us!
Our repertoire is growing with the help of Chris our group leader who is the one with the impeccable timing and good memory! As well as some well known beats we have also added many of our own rhythms, most with a medieval flavour. We practice hard every Thursday at the Ethel Wood Community Centre, Beachlands, Pevensey Bay and new members are always welcome!
Find out more about us on our new website at: www.pentacle-drummers.co.uk where you can also buy our new CD!
Most importantly it should be said that the Giants, the Drummers and the enthusiasm have been maintained over the years by a very special Lady. Sally Markwell was wholly responsible for the organisation of the Giants and Drummers and for a long time ensured that everyone felt welcome and a part of something very special. Her passing has left us all with a hole that we will never fill, but the Eastbourne Giants and Drummers will continue our processions always with the knowledge that Sally would be pleased with what we’ve achieved.
For more information about Pentacle Drummers, contact Adam by email or phone on 01323 740624.