Find out more about the Holbeck Moor Mummers: Holbeck Moor Mummers, History
Last appeared at the Grove: December 21st 2007
Holbeck Moor Mummers
Annual evening of local singers, a variety of performance, and including the mummers play!
The Holbeck Moor Mummers is in its 46th year - I think that is right - but Brian Senior is sure to correct me on this point if I am wrong!
The programme opposite is for last year, but gives you an idea of what to expect.
Details for this year will be posted as soon as we have them! but we will look forward to seeing you all again this year!
Sam and Ed
Holbeck Moor Mummers December 19 2008
Programme for this year, 2008, available later
please note: THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR LAST YEAR, 2007!
Master of Ceremonies: Jeff Wright
- Bernard Fawcett
- George Clarke
- Professor Robinson
- Three Score and Ten
- Keepers Fold
- Nigel Swan and Janet Porter
The Grove Inn in Leeds, for over forty years the home of the mummers, lies on the edge of what was once Holbeck Moor.
The exact site of the Holbeck Moor cockpit is now unknown and although the original area of the moor can be seen from eighteenth century maps the only remaining link we have is the Hol Beck which, although now confined to a concrete channel, still runs down Water Lane, about a hundred yards from the pub.
The origins of the English Mumming Play are also lost in the mists of time but a copy of the Leeds Mercury dated December 1897 records:
A motley crew was seen, strangely clad, performing a rude play in order to earn money to buy ale
Some of them are still at it today!
The present Holbeck Moor Mummers were formed in 1963 and have been performing their traditional English Mumming play every Christmas since.
They are based at the Grove Inn, Holbeck where the Folk at the Grove has been running every Friday evening since 1962.
Some of the original team are still performing and the oldest member G.W.Wood celebrated his eightieth birthday in 2004.
The tradition was that money collected would be spent on ale for the performers but for several years now the Mummers have donated their proceeds to charity and this year raised over £350 for St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds.
They are more than happy to perform at charity or fund raising events and can be contacted through Ivan Robinson on 01924 822635 or 07790311278