The Ebenezer Methodist Church Hall was filled to capacity as people from across the island journeyed there on December 20 to witness a re-enactment of an “An Ole Tyme Wedding.”

Re-enacted Wedding Procession

It was one of the major and current activities of the Valley Community Christmas Festival of Lights Committee in Anguilla.

The “Wedding Ceremony” in progress

The event, which had all the trappings and seriousness of a real matrimonial ceremony, was conducted by a stern priest-imitator, Winston Duncan. In Anguillian parlance he gave the suppos,edly groom and bride ‘a tongue lashing’ using Scriptural references and his own passionate exhortations which also kept the spectators in rapt attention. Even the interruptions of “Ole Man Numpsie”, the local comedian from Stoney Ground, who was shouting the traditional objections to the marriage, did not distract Duncan as he proceeded to pronounce “George Zephaniah Henry Richardson” (played by Mello Sello) and “Helena Margaret Eliza Hodge” (played by Geraldine Hodge) as man and wife.

“Ole Timers” cycling in “wedding” procession

The “marriage ceremony” over, the “wedding party” as tradition has it, largely journeyed on foot to the “feasting place” while a few gaily but oddly-dressed gentlemen rode bicycles and donkeys (then the main means of transport in Anguilla). The “feast” was on the grounds of the Agricultural Department which offered much open space for seating (under tents) for the occasion. There Calvert Carty, a noted local dramatist, performed the role of Master of Ceremonies and called up a number of persons who spoke humorously at the re-enactment occasion.

Featuring traditional wedding attire

In a note on the programme brochure, the organisers stated that the “wedding of yesteryear” was being “re-enacted in a modern setting. It captures various aspects of wedding celebrations dating back from the 1940s to present day.”

Calvin Smith of Island Harbour staging donkey riding to “wedding”

The organisers, the Anguilla Scouts’ Association, went on: “We have been challenged by the fact that many ‘ole time things’ are no longer around. However, we hope that this re-enactment will bring back memories for our older Anguillians and help the young ones get an insight into one aspect of our history. In so doing they will appreciate who we are as Anguillians.

An appendage at the bottom of the programme leaflet, stated: “The Scouts’ Association expresses sincere thanks to the member of the National Creative Arts Association, friends and family who made this day the celebration it has been. Your ideas, time, tangible contributions are greatly appreciated.”

It was the second such performance in Anguilla. While it was to re-enact the past and to entertain, this year the ‘Ole Tyme Wedding” was also a fund-raiser (though small), towards sending an Anguillian delegation to the Scouts Jamboree later on.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News