Yarn Bombers

A Modern Midhurst Myth: Yarn Bombers by a roving reporter

There are many myths and mysteries swirling around in the woods that close in on Midhurst, most of them dimly seen through the mists of time, but there is one modern mystery. On occasion, Midhurstians wake to find that the town has been visited in the night. The only evidence is a tree, bollards, or railings clad in wool.

Intrigued, we set out to solve the puzzle, and discovered a pattern. These nocturnal visitations took place around the time of MADhurst, or other festivals. We lay in wait, but we couldn't keep watch on the whole of Midhurst and time and time again we were foiled. If we lurked near the bus station woollen decorations would be found the next morning in Market Square. If that's where we were, it would happen by North Mill Bridge. Eventually we were lucky. One night, weaving our way home from the pub, we saw shadowy movements on the Stag Garden Roundabout. Cautiously, we moved closer, and we clearly saw bright-eyed bushy-tailed creatures with knitted face masks erecting some kind of a woollen pyramid. We called out softly: “We mean you no harm, but could you tell us what you are doing?” town of Midhurst a fabulous place to live and visit” “And what's the pyramid?”

“That is an 8-foot Christmas tree!” she replied witheringly. We had this idea about a year ago and have been researching how to make it. Over the last 6 months we have been crocheting “granny squares” and have made in the region of 300 squares plus lots of smaller decorations.

It has been a real collaborative project for the beginner and more experienced Wool

“But wait! Let us photograph you. Let us tell your story!”

Startled, they bolted, making for the trees that border the water meadows. But from a safe distance one of them stopped, half turned.

“We are the MADhurst Yarnbombers” she whispered. “We just want to put a smile on people’s faces and help to make our great little Technician”.

“We are a secret society of guerrilla knitters and don't court publicity.” And with that she was gone.

What will they do next? We are as intrigued as you would be. ‘Hug a pole’ is creative for sure!

If you want to find out more, we suggest you crochet a Facebook message for MADhurst Yarn Bombers. Even a woolly email might get through!

Now that’s a real lot of knitting! And how much more will we see at the next MADhurst to descend (hopefully!) upon the town the from 1st – 31st August 2020. It will surely be another exciting, month long, festival celebrating music, arts and drama.

The Crown Hotel: A Long and Interesting Life

Peter Sydenham reports

Situated right next to the St Ann’s building complex, in Edinburgh Square to the SE corner of the Market Square is a white painted two storey, privately occupied, house. Over the last 80 years or so this building has called The Crown. me; then a 3 ½ year old kid. In the hall were long

tables coming out of the long Eastern wall. I really recall school life there because each morning little gill bottles of milk were delivered for us kids – presumably fresh and still warm! It was so creamy and tasty. Our family did not have that luxury at our workingclass home in London!

The hall was also used by the Home Guard as an assembly hall. It would have done justice as a set for filming Captain Mainwaring calling

seen much change. It began, who knows when it was built, as one of the local pubs his fictitious HG troop to order.

After the war it seems (not entirely certain!) an annual dinner was held in the hall for blind men and their companions.

Change of Purpose

In 2008 the pub building was up for sale.

The Crown Hotel being up for sale in 2008

From my childhood memory as an evacuee living in the St Ann’s building during WW2, it had a large hall at its rear that was used as a preschool kindergarten. It was convenient for These pictures show it as it was then.

PUB CRAWL

by Alec Annand

Now Midhurst is a jolly place for pubs: You will find them dotted all around the town.

Youcanalways get adrink, ifyoufindit hurtstothink, At the Swan - or if you'd rather, try the

Crown!

There's the Bricks for people well-to-do, the Wheatsheaf for the broke,

The Egmont or the Shoes for local lads; If you want to venture further, why not try the Royal Oak, Orthe Greyhound withits countrywines and dads?

If you want to stay the night, the Angel is all right, As the Pilgrims found it many years ago;

If you've plenty of spare cash, and you want to make a splash, The Spread Eagle is the place for you to go.

But for delicious food, and for service that is good, And good fellowship and warmth and

Real Ale, You should visit the Half Moon - whether feeling dry at noon, Or requiring dinner: Reggie will not fail!

[Annand A, Midhurst Madrigals. Grange Centre benefit publication, 1981]

Punch