PARWICH.ORG

Whilst looking through an old programme I have found some words written by Denis Laycock, I feel it is important to reshare them as they provide a valuable insight into our Wakes celebrations…

‘Since the formation of the Loyal Laurel and Crown Lodge, the Parwich Branch of the Independent Order of the Oddfellows, in 1836, June 29th, St Peter’s Day, has become an important date in our village’s annual calendar.

To begin with, it would have been marked by the Club Walk, a Church Service (with a fine for those members not attending), and a dinner in one of the village inns. Other celebrations also took place, however in the 1850’s there is even a record of a dancing bear visiting the village!

Later on, Funfairs began attending. These included Sykes Fair and later Tommy Rae. Their arrival was greeted with great excitement amongst the children. Work in school was almost impossible until teachers had taken them to the Green to see the Fair. There is even a record of Mr Hampson treating each child to a ride!

Over the years the pattern of Wakes has changed. The Walk and Feast was moved first to a Monday, later to the Saturday nearest to June 29th. Sports and a mid-week social were added to the agenda. Then in 1974 a new organizing committee – the Parwich Carnival and Recreation Committee was formed, largely due to the driving force of the then Vicar, Christopher Read, former headmaster Leslie Fearn and several villagers old and new. Wakes celebrations grew from the weekend to a week-long celebration, with new events developing – the Hill Race, the Ball Race, a ferret and a horse racing night and the traditional Oddfellows dance and raffle on the final Friday night. Occasional five-a-side football competitions were staged on Nethergreen. Over forty years ago the Notts DA Camping and Caravan Club ‘discovered’ Parwich and they have been visiting each year ever since.

Over the years, the Carnival Committee has organised other village events, including the staging of pantomimes, an annual bonfire on November 5th and assisting in village celebrations of national events.’

As we draw near to Wakes Saturday 2026 the Oddfellows Walk, Dinner and the Carnival still remain at the heart of our celebrations and hopefully will do for many years to come.

Denis Laycock is the longest serving member of the Carnival and Recreation Committee and has been a member since 1975! For this support, unrivalled knowledge and good humour we thank you Denis – we look forward to seeing the Wakes waistcoat soon!

Lucy M