The Holy Island weddings

A trip to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) was on my list of 'things to do before you die' and so our 32nd wedding anniversary last weekend was spent under canvas at Goswick in Northumberland. Whilst visiting the Heritage Centre on the island I chanced upon some weird and wonderful wedding day traditions.

I'm not sure if these rituals are still adhered to as the photographs all looked rather dated, and I'm not sure how many weddings there are on this tiny island anyway - though the current Parish Priest, Damian, is a TV star apparently.

Anyway, this is what was written:
"After the wedding Ceremony the Bride, helped by two of the Island's older fishermen, is encouraged to jump 'the petting stone'.

The couple then try to make their way out of the churchyard only to find the gate barred by fishermen. Following payment of a fee, the couple walk along a narrow path lined with the 'Wild-fowlers' of the village brandishing their shotguns. The guns are raised in an arch and as the couple pass through a salute is fired.

On the way to the reception the couple scatter coins for the village children. Upon arrival at the reception a plate bearing wedding cake is BROKEN over the bride's head. Only then can the rest of the day be enjoyed in peace."

And you thought your wedding was stressful!
Apparently people do still book Lindisfarne Castle for their wedding receptions. Owned by the National Trust it has a 16th Century exterior but 20th Century interior and the views across to the mainland are spectacular.

Everywhere you look on the Island there are boards explaining the history of the place from when St Aiden was invited by King Oswald to bring Christianity to Northumberland in about the year 635AD. They are rightly proud of their history.

The village shops are lovely and you can buy local honey, fudge, biscuits and coffee cream liqueur as well as the famous Lindisfarne Mead. On the bag is a recipe for Honeymoon Punch made by mixing one third of a pint of mead with a pint of tonic water in a large jug of ice. add one sliced lemon, an orange and half a cucumber and decorate with sprigs of mint.

I'm not sure why it's called Honeymoon Punch but think it's worth trying out tonight - so I may tell you (or then again....)

If you find yourself up in the North East do go and visit this area. The beaches are fab and there are several other noteworthy castles including Alnwick (also home to the biggest tree house you've ever seen and a superb second hand bookshop housed in the old railway station).

But for me the jewel in the crown was still Lindisfarne.

The Island is cut off by the tide at various times of the day and you can choose to stay and be a Castaway - waiting until the tide goes out again and the causeway is safe once again to travel. We stayed all day so were marooned there until 7pm. Much recommended - as it felt too busy and touristy before. When the bulk of the visitors dash off before the tide comes in and all is quiet you can hear the wind whistling around the Priory ruins and hear the grey Seals calling across the rocks. You can sit quietly in the beautiful church and consider how it felt to be so exposed when the Vikings raided. The church houses an official Norse apology!

And of course it's a brilliant place to talk to God as St Aiden, St Cuthbert and so many, many pilgrims have demonstrated.

I played my Iona CD on the drive across the causeway and heard those magical words "And here we are, we have come this far, to say a prayer on Lindisfarne".

We'll be back.
j xx