One of the symbols adopted by the old kings of Wessex was a White Dragonon a green field. The Welsh tell of an ancient prophecy that their Red Dragon would be defeated by the White Dragon, whether this prophecy preceded the fact is not known.
Long ago, way before satellite imagery cartographers travelled around the land and used local tales and knowledge as well as their own observations to construct their maps. These stories and legends, often filled uncharted areas and gave rise to the oft quoted ‘Here there be Dragons’ marked on their work. There may well have been such a notation on an old map of what is now the New Forest as one dark May Morn a couple of years ago as the Meddlars gathered deep in the Forest to dance up the sun, they had the feeling they were not alone, and so it turned out to be. After watching several dances and obviously impressed with our performance (note it was still dark!) Grimbald stepped into the clearing and introduced himself. Somewhat taken aback that they had not been instantly reduced to a pile of cinders, the Meddlars invited Grimbald to partake of their morning ’fry-up’ of eggs and bacon, an offer which he readily took up. He even saved us all the trouble one normally has when trying to light a Bar-B-Q !. The rest as they say, is history.
Some sides employ a mascot or ‘fool’ to add to the overall spectacle of their performances and as we had neither and given the historical connection, we adopted Grimbald as our mascot (he prefers to believe he adopted us, as he’s a very proud fire-breather and can be very sensitive on the issue). We have no idea how old he is, after all, would you dare to ask an old dragon a question like that? However,we do believe he has had some human contact in the past and they must have been good souls as he is rather fond of our species and is very keen to put down the misconception that ‘dragons only like tinned food – preferably heated!’. He is very friendly and quite civilised and is particularly fond of children! He is also keen on charity work and volunteered to be our ‘collector’ on the occasions that he dances out with us. This year the Meddlars are again collecting for the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington, so look out for the tin or hat that either he or one of us will be passing round.
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This site was updated March 2008