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Down Helly Aa - A PHCC Viking Celebration in Wareham
Tuesday 30th January
‘Down Helly Aa’ – the Southern equivalent of ‘Up Helly Aa’, a paddle to Wareham to do what the Vikings did 1000 years ago!
This new take on the Viking ceremony traditionally held on the last Tuesday in January, will see a viking long boat replica built and paddled by PHCC members journey up to Wareham where we'll enjoy a bonfire and hospitality before a starlit paddle back to the club.
Vikings raided Wareham, with King Canute capturing it in 1016 A.D. At this time Wareham was an important port. The town walls were built after this event. He went on to become one of Britain's best known kings.
Vikings needed!
We need viking style volunteers from the club to help with the building, transportation and paddling of our longboat. We also need a sea kayak escort up to Wareham, some help with running shuttles before and after, and plenty of revellers to greet us on arrival. Allen's contact details are on the bottom of this page if you can help
The story so far
During the planning we have hit a few problems, but things are still on track.
- There aren't any plans for longboats, so all the design has been based on historical models, scaled down and adapted.
- There is little information on the original raid, with even the date being questioned.
- Whilst the Up Helly Aa longboat is pushed around the town, a paddle up to Wareham is a more serious undertaking and affected by the weather. ( The tides for this event are fine.)
- We have not been granted permission to hold our bonfire and have not been able to find a suitable alternative site.
Our plan is now dependent on several factors...
- Completing the boat on time and completing sea trials. ( At present it is on schedule.)
- Recruiting some Vikings
- Finding a bonfire site.
- Decent weather. i.e. flat calm !
- Safety cover.
Our fall back plan would be to launch at Wareham and have a short paddle up and down the river, before getting some food and mead.
Find out more
Find out more about the history of this ancient tradition the songs that are sung.
UPDATE - the plan
The forecast for Tuesday is cloudy, with light winds. I would have liked to paddle from the club, but in a relatively untried boat, in the dark, in winter, about a mile from shore, safety considerations are a priority. It would also have made for a very long evening.
If the kayakers want to leave from the club to meet us at 20.00, then that would be fine. I suggest leaving the club at 19.00.
We would like to paddle from Ridge Wharfe, (SY 937872), about a mile east of Wareham up to Wareham. Rendezvous at Ridge Wharfe at 19.30, to leave at 20.00. High tide - 21.27. It is a bit hard to find, but I'll leave some signs out. ( PHCC). In the winter it is very quiet and we would need to respect the locals.
The boat is designed to take 11 people. At the moment I have 8 paddlers.
If you want to dress up, then that is encouraged, but on the boat, buoyancy aids are to be worn and it will be cold.
Contact details
If you are able to help with any of the above or wish to become a Viking for an evening, or have any other questions please get in touch. call Allen on 07917 065875
p.s. On longboats there are equal opportunities and Vikingettes are equally welcome.