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| News from the ‘Oss’s Mouth (AKA The Teazer) Mazey Eve |
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What an interesting night Mazey Eve turned out to be! Just to clarify the situation: Penglaz had been feeling broody lately and wanted to reproduce, therefore a meeting with the male 'Oss was set up for Mazey Eve... Unfortunately on the night, despite Penglaz's friendly overtures, the male 'Oss did not rise to the occasion and failed to give chase and follow her back to the stable - a missed opportunity. Oh well, Penglaz will have to look further afield for a worthy mate - after all, there's plenty more 'Osses in the See! ;) Nevertheless a good time was had by most and there were many shows of affection for our Night Mare, including a refreshing beer during her Summer Dance. (See Gallery for photos) Congratulations to my Apprentice Teazer and also, another new rider - both performed heroically and with great sensitivity within their different roles. Many thanks to all Penglaz followers for your continuing support and see you all at Montol! Cassandra |
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Appeal to Penglaz Followers Having studied footage of Montol Eve 2008, and comparing it with previous years of teazing Penglaz, something rather wonderful naturally occurred for which I have to thank Penglaz followers. By a moving cordon of followers, space was created for the ‘Oss and Teazer to perform their magical dance. This is in stark contrast to former festivals where there had to be much pushing and shoving to create a performance space. Indeed, this was one of the reasons that Penglaz withdrew from the Men & Maids Dance on Mazey Day. The Serpent Dance was tying up the ‘Oss and preventing the Teazer from guiding Penglaz safely through the throng. Similar wrangles happen on Mazey Eve. What I am suggesting is that a committed band of followers help create the space for the ‘Oss and Teazer by leading the procession through the streets in a horseshoe shape around Penglaz. The Serpent dancing can still happen around but not in the space defined by the followers. In order to be recognised as a Penglaz follower it would be appropriate to wear the Penglaz colours – black/white/red. Other examples of this way of processing can be observed at Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss and the Hal an Tow, and it would be more visually pleasing than a line of flash jacketed marshals! This way everyone will be able to enjoy the community spectacle safely, less people would be knocked flying, and interference from photographers would be reduced. This doesn’t mean to say that Penglaz will stop being wild and anarchic – you’ll still have to watch out for a sudden lunge from snapping jaws when you least expect it! Anyone interested in becoming part of the Penglaz team please contact me via the website. |
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News from the ‘Oss’s Mouth Montol 2008 What a fantastic Montol Eve this year! It’s taken a while for us to calm down and recover from the exciting events. Penglaz herself hugely enjoyed her first excursion out following her rebirth – in fact, she was very reluctant to go back in her stable. If you want confirmation of how difficult this was, check out the Montol 2008 video on the Gallery Page. We owe a huge debt to a marvellous team of committed and dedicated crafts people, who donated an immense amount of time, skill and materials in order that the Mighty Penglaz would continue to appear at our community festivals. They are, in no particular order, the following: Stephanie Aldridge; Aran Martin; Jane Cox; Edward Williams; Gemma Gary; Simon Reed; Christine Gary; Dennis & Niki Dowrick; Sarah Brown; Mini Media. Many thanks to all of you we certainly couldn’t have done it without you! Also special mention goes to our new Penglaz rider. It is traditional not to reveal his identity – all I’m prepared to say is that he is a local lad, born and bred in Penzance. His childhood dreams came true when he was chosen to ride Penglaz and he did himself proud. Lastly our thanks to all the Penglaz followers who turned up in amazing numbers and in glorious array to welcome our ‘Oss back to where she belongs. Well done everybody and we’ll see you all again at Mazey! Cassandra |
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| New Montol 2008 Gallery click here | |
| New Montol 2008 video click here | |
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News from the ‘Oss’s Mouth UpdateMidwinter approaches and the dark magic is stirring… in the depths of winter on Montol Eve the Night Mare will return – Penglaz will be reborn! It’s been a very eventful year with several ‘skirmishes’ to deal with whilst we have steadily continued to craft our new ‘Oss. One thing I can assure you - Penglaz has been cunningly and wonderfully wrought - she will outlive us all and last for generations. There will be no ‘Oss Off’ as it has been agreed that both ‘Osses will cover different events, and we start off with Montol Eve on Saturday 20th December. We hope to appear on Mazey Eve, but that is still subject to further negotiation – maybe our female ‘Oss can persuade the male ‘Oss to ease up a bit and not be so territorial! There needs to be less stamping the ground and posturing, and more co-operation within these important community festivals. It is good to have more than one ‘Oss practically speaking, and I’m sure the followers of Penglaz would be delighted to see both ‘Osses at different events. The Penglaz Co-operative will have a stall at the Montol Market in the Wharfside complex on Friday 19th Dec. We have decided that at the Solstice festivals, produce will be on sale at reduced prices than from the online shop/website – come early to avoid disappointment, we sold out on Mazey Day. Please support this worthy organisation that operates solely to continue the Penglaz tradition. Also you may wish to know that Hedingham Fair (see Link below) has produced a fine Calendar of Traditional Customs and our very own Penglaz is ‘Miss June’! Penglaz Followers: I hereby summon, stir and call you up to attend the Montol Torchlight Procession to witness her maiden Renewal Dance. See you there! Cassandra |
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News from the ‘Oss’s Mouth Followers of Penglaz have noticed a few changes at this year’s Mazey celebrations and as a consequence may have been left bewildered and confused. Let me clarify the situation… In April 2008 after 16 glorious years, Penglaz made the decision to retire. Once we got over the initial shock it was decided that a new Penglaz would be constructed and the Penglaz Cooperative was created to provide funding for this. Many talented folk are working hard to produce another Penglaz in time for the Midwinter Montol festival. So if you are walking the old streets of Penzance at this time you may well come across our Night Mare once again – rejuvenated following Her rebirth. However, in the meantime another ‘Oss (this time a stallion, or maybe a gelding – impossible to tell) and Teazer has stepped into the gap that has appeared, so we could be in the interesting position of having two ‘Osses to contend with. This is by no means a unique situation as the two ‘Osses of Padstow gives us a good example of how traditions can evolve. Many old festivals and folk customs are based on conflict and rivalry. Maybe there will be an ‘Oss Off’! Penglaz memorabilia has sold well this Mazey weekend and we thank all who have helped us by their contributions towards continuing the Penglaz tradition. Remember that between the Solstice festivals you will shortly be able to purchase Penglaz items from our online shop. Thank you everyone for your continued support. Cassandra |
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