AN ancient tradition last recorded in Wellington more than 130 years ago is being revived next month as part of the patronal festival weekend for St John’s Church.

Wellington Folk and Custom Society is rekindling the practice of ‘clipping the tower’, which was last carried out in 1889.

It involves forming a human circle with people holding hands to encircle the church, a practice dating to Anglo-Saxon times.

The word ‘clipping’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘clyppan’, which meant to ‘clasp or embrace’.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 27, between 12 noon and 5 pm as church members celebrate St John’s Day.

Folk society founder and co-ordinator Lee Edmead said ‘clipping the tower’ would be open for people of all faiths or none to take part, forming a ‘human chain of unity’.

He said: “We are calling the folks of Wellington to help bring this back as an annual event, calling a cross-section of the community, all the Wellington branches of the Christian faith together, multi-faith, humanitarians, different beliefs and philosophies.

“All in a human chain of unity.

“Be part of this historical event.”

The ritual will start at the church’s willow arch with blessings and a piper and drummer leading the procession to circle the church and return through the human arch.

Bootstrap Border Morris, which recently took part in the spring fair in Wellington Park, will also be performing on the day, and refreshments and mixed stalls will be arranged in the church hall.

It will be the second new event this year which the folk and custom society has revived after a St George’s Day celebration in April.

Mr Edmead said: “We have a passion for local folk culture, the customs, songs, tunes, dance, oral traditions, art, and crafts, which we see as a living folk culture.”