Yesterday was Plough Monday - in ye olden days the first day back to the plough after the festivities. Last night in Greenwich saw the Fowler Molly Troop doing a series of folk dances in the Undercover Market to mark the occasion; people dressed up like 'Oliver' extras with ribbons pinned to their clothes and the obligatory man in drag, all good fun.
Round the corner straight away afterwards to the Spanish Galleon for an excellent talk on 'British Cunning Folk' by Christina Oakley at South East London Folklore Society. Cunning men and women, sometimes known as white witches, were the people you went to for divination, healing or psychic assistance when you were having a bit of trouble with the evil eye, lost cows, love affairs etc. They flourished in Britain from as far back as records exist until the beginning of the 20th century when their roles were supplanted by a new wave of specialist healers, spiritualists and occultists.
Next time at SELFS looks good with Chris Woods on 'The Sacred Landscape of South East London'. Was Deptford the real centre of ancient London? What mysteries are buried under Brockley cross? All will be revealed on 13th February, 8 pm start at the Spanish Galleon, 48 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 (£2.50/£1.50 concessions).
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