WEST WITTON FEAST 2023!
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at West Witton Feast Weekend 2023
Heavy showers didn’t spoil the fun at West Witton’s traditional August Bank Holiday Feast weekend, with the Wensleydale village community and visitors thoroughly enjoying the festivities.
The traditional Saturday afternoon cottage show at the Village Hall saw a wonderful entry of bread, cakes, preserves, vegetables, crafts, and artwork, with a large attendance gathering to hear the winners announced following judging behind closed doors.
With points awarded for being placed in various categories, the overall cup winner was Gill Kopka, with Stanley Lambert the overall children’s winner. Adjacent to the Village Hall, St.Bartholomew's Church hosted an exhibit celebrating the family occasions, traditions and celebrations it’s played host to over many years.
The gruelling Pen Hill Fell Race followed the show, with Jake Stephenson from Middleham the first home in a time of 33 minutes 46 seconds. Second placed George Baker was also the first local home, with his younger brother Rory the first junior across the line.
Special mention to Josh Dent, finishing third in the Senior race at just 12 years old following his success in the junior race last year. The prize-giving included a video message of congratulations from multiple-medal winning athletes Alastair and Jonny Brownlee, both of whom have competed in the West Witton race in years gone by.
With the fell race complete the stage was set for the time-honoured tradition of the burning of Bartle. As usual, a large crowd gathered to process behind the effigy of the sheep-rustling Bartle, who was led to his fiery end by Colin and David Harker, with Gareth Robson leading the singing of the doggerel, supported by the gathered crowd.
Sunday’s Family Fun Day on the playing field saw some heavy showers but good numbers enjoyed Leyburn Band, barbecue, children’s games, fun dog show, bar and raffle. The Feast drew to a close on Bank Holiday with an exciting Monday’s Robert Dent Memorial quoits knock-out bringing a win for David Harker.
All those involved in the organisation of the various activities thank everyone for their support of another successful and enjoyable West Witton Feast.
Photos show some of the various winners and activities.
WEST WITTON FEAST 2022!
West Witton Feast Weekend enjoyed by all!
The traditional August Bank Holiday ‘West Witton Feast’ saw the Wensleydale village community enjoying another long weekend of fun and festivities.
The church welcomed visitors to enjoy light refreshments, with the windows decorated in a variety of fun and inventive ways. The traditional Saturday afternoon cottage show at the Village Hall saw a bumper entry of bread, cakes, preserves, vegetables, crafts, and artwork, with a large attendance gathering to hear the winners announced following judging behind closed doors. With points awarded for being placed in various categories, the overall cup winner was Sandra Jones, with Finlay Brown the overall children’s winner.
The Pen Hill Fell Race followed the show, with George Baker first home in a time of 34 minutes 13 seconds. George was also the first local home, with the first junior, Josh Dent, coming in on an impressive 29 minutes 26 seconds. Ben Spicer was the second junior and Ted Wilson came in third. First female home was Jess Young with a time of 43 minutes 12 seconds. The prizes were given out by Jeremy and Jane Stubbs, who have manufactured and donated commemorative fell race mugs for several years.
With the fell race complete the stage was set for the time-honoured tradition of the burning of Bartle. As usual, a large crowd gathered to process behind the effigy of the sheep-rustling Bartle, who was led to his fiery end by Colin and David Harker, with Gareth Robson leading the singing of the doggerel, supported by the gathered crowd.
Sunday’s Family Fun Day on the playing field drew good numbers to enjoy Leyburn Band, barbecue, children’s games, fun dog show, bar and raffle, and Monday’s Robert Dent Memorial quoits knock-out saw a win for Joe Forrest.
All those involved in the organisation of the various weekend activities thank everyone for their support of another successful and enjoyable West Witton Feast.
Burning of Bartle
The ancient ritual of Burning Bartle takes place every year in the village of West Witton near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
At 9pm on the Saturday night nearest to the 24th August (St. Bartholomew's Day) a larger than life figure is paraded down the village main street accompanied by repeated chants of the Bartle doggerel.
When Bartle reaches 'his end' in Grassgill, he is set alight, accompanied by songs and cheers from the assembled masses.
The Doggerel
On Penhill Crags he tore his rags
Hunters Thorn he blew his horn
Cappelbank Stee happened a misfortune and brak' his knee
Grassgill Beck he brak' his neck
Wadhams End he couldn't fend
Grassgill End we'll mak' his end
Shout, lads, shout!
Bartle Mosaic Walk
Annually on the day of Burning Bartle. Meet outside the Fox and Hounds public house in West Witton at 10.30am for an approximate 2 hour walk along the lower slopes of Penhill to discover the mosaic trail telling the tale of Old Bartle. Suitable clothing for the day, dogs welcome with well-behaved owners.
