Prison Governor is special guest at Bawming the Thorn

VIDEO: THORN Cross Prison Governor Pia Sinha was guest of honour at the unique Bawming the Thorn event at Appleton Thorn, which dates back to medieval times.

The prison governor talked about how she had worked closely with the school and the local community over the past two years to improve community relations.

Appleton Thorn is the only village in England where the “Bawming of the Thorn” ceremony takes place each June.

Appleton Thorn Primary School plays a pivotal role in the event providing the dancers for the traditional bawming ceremony, running a number of stalls on the day and providing prizes.

A large proportion of money raised on the day goes to the school to help fund projects and resources.

Knight was Charlie Ison and Page was Jack Bramhall, both Year Six pupils at the school.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington Cllr Faisal and Mrs Aleeza Rashid were also special guests at the event which sees the Thorn tree “dressed” each year.

Historically the thorn tree which stands beside the local church is believed to be an offshoot of the Glastonbury Thorn, which grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea. Adam de Dutton, a knight of the crusades and local landowner, brought it to Appleton Thorn.

The Thorn tree is now designated one of just fifty great British Trees after being nominated by co-founder and original landord of the village hall to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.

A tree is said to have grown at the spot since 1178, although the current one is a relative newcomer.