It all started on 22nd March 2009 with an email from Sue Sellers suggesting that I might be interested in a community pottery project using what turned out to be one ton of Terra Cotta clay that Susan Thwaites of Dalton wished to find a home for.
All this clay has now been used (and fired!) and a second ton was started three months ago.
In subsequent months the project grew from pottery on the garden wall to pottery on the wall of Union Lane, to The Railings , Gill Banks and then Lightburn Park and Mill Dam - much of this is documented on this
web site
Having found a way of attaching pottery to the railings, presence of spikes provoked the though that they needed covering. A few things were made but quickly got nicked because they were attractive including a hiker made by Jennie Dennett.
The though occurred that the railings could be used along their full length - lower path and upper path. The idea of the candlelit walk was born.
By September 2009 we had set ourselves the target of making 100 pots to hold Candles in Jars - one every ten metres so as to light the upper and lower paths of Gill Banks which we achieved with some hard work from Geoff who made nearly all the blanks whilst Bernard and Elisabeth Ellis decorated about 25 about forty people in all decorated the pots - many of them children.
See this Youtube video.
October 31st 2010 saw the raising of the target for candle lights raised from 300 to 1000 - some of these still remain upside down in the bushes.
Wax Lyrical (Colony Candles) of Lindal provide the thousand candles). The concept of filling loo rolls was used then for the first time came from Gladys Hobson whose son revealed the concept. 20 larger spike lights were used to dramatic effect above the pottery on The Railings - wax overflow still to be seen.
The visual effect in 2010 year was intensified by having a small talented musical group of three musicians who played music to enhance the experience.
Because the 2010 candle lights still had many burning hours available they are again being used. Also because of the high work intensity using of candles all over the wood and the lack of helpers these are being kept for the paths. What is new is having some 60 larger flames which are being used for the first time to light up the beck as it runs along close to the beck.
The making of new spike lights has been limited to 15 this year made by six potters and one family.
What is very special is that we now have two musical groups playing involving with some very talented new singers who know how to create eerie music suited for the occasion.
Rita Baugh is one of them.
We anticipate to have about 10 helpers on the Monday afternoon .
As much work as possible will be done over the Saturday and Sunday in preparing the path making it safe, free of slippery leaves and dog dirt.
Most people make a real effort to dress up - so much so it's difficult to tell who is who. At this time many parents are making costumes for themselves and their children.
There is no charge for the event which will cost very little to actually run this year as most of the pottery and candles were made last year and the year before. The walk itself costs are about twenty pounds with additional low costs for drinks afterwards. Some funds will be need next year for pottery and candle supplies.
No policing is required for the event : the numbers so far have been in the vicinity of 200 participants. who walk without torches in order to see the lights more effectively.
The greatest need is for involvement in making pots, candles and wax flames and musicians and workers on the night, not for money.
Next year's event will be on a Tuesday evening.
The event now has it's own Facebook page :
" Ulverston Candlelit Walk"
