Mummers midwinter miracle at CAMRA award-winning West Berks pub

And so, following earlier carol singing around the old well, a goodly rather than godly crowd spilled from CAMRA award-winning pub The Bell at Aldworth on Saturday night, mulled wine, hot cider and beer in hand to witness the annual midwinter miracle on the street.

It was, of course, the raggedy roving players, the Aldworth Mummers, who at 6pm strode out from the pub to enact the age old tradition - having performed in Yattendon and Hampstead Norreys the night before.

There were nine Mummers in total this year - Old Father Christmas, Little Happy Jack, King George, the Turkish Knight, Jack Vinney, Beelzebub, Tall and Smart, the Doctor and the Doctor's Boy.

The tale was told, cheered on by the spectators. King George defeated the Turkish Knight (from Wallingford) who was sorely wounded but cured by the quack Doctor with a medicine made of pigeon's milk, the blood of a grasshopper and elecampane (not available on the NHS!).

All were friends again and the play concluded with a song and dance, after which everyone retired to the Bell for some much-needed liquid refreshment.

December 2024 was the 49th Mummers' performance and they hope to see everyone again next year!