Wellow without maypole celebrations for first time since 1950 because of covid-19

The sun was shining and the weather was set fair for Bank Holiday Monday, but for the first time since 1950, Wellow was without its maypole celebrations.

The maypole green, usually thronged with crowds, was silent on what would have been Maypole Day 2020.

In March, the Maypole Committee had to take the decision that it would not be possible to stage the event because of coronavirus restrictions.

However, the Wellow May Queen for 2020 had already been chosen.

Ellie Wilson, from Edwinstowe, who has danced at Wellow for nine consecutive years, was upset to learn that the maypole celebrations would not take place.

However, she has been promised her rightful crown in 2021, and so visited Wellow, stood in front of the 17 metre-high maypole, and looked forward to her eventual crowning next year.

Also present was her friend Lucy Hollingworth, who was crowned May Queen last year.

Lucy will continue to reign until Ellie is crowned in 2021, but in the meantime presented Ellie with a small bouquet of flowers to mark the day.

Also present at the appropriate distance were a group of Ellie’s friends, all of whom have danced around the maypole on past Maypole Days.

The Maypole Committee has confirmed the Wellow Maypole Celebrations will return on Monday, May 31, and Ellie will at last be crowned Wellow May Queen.