Anderida Druid Camp, May

This is my favorite small camp of the year, held at Beltane and Lammas. Based in Sussex. Held in an isolated field of a farm, theres a stream running round three sides. Numbers are limited to around 60, and I find the intensity such a joy.

Beating the bounds and calling the quarters is done each day in a very informal way; lots of noise and anyone comes forward to call. Its so inclusive, I love it.

Claire Hamilton gave an excellent workshop on the Celtic Goddesses, having done some beautiful harping and storytelling the night before.

Theres always good talk and even the chance of a haircut. Thats me in my Keep Britain Pagan T shirt

The main workshop of the weekend was the Maypole. The men and women separated into two groups to prepare. For the men, we did manly things, like Druid Sumo wrestling, tug of war and spear throwing; in fact, in spite of myself I really enjoyed it.

Then decorate the pole with designs, mostly breasts and penises. Finally, a race to the tree to be the first to get the antlers and be king of the May; inevitably a young lad won easily!

As the sun set, the women gathered and processed to the circle, and the men picked up the pole and very slowly and teasingly thrust it into the hole; very silly, very symbolic, and great fun with stroking and grunting!

There were no long directions on what to do in the dance, we just did it The mist or smoke was rising and it was so magical