Wap history & Facts
The Wap in Randwick, is believed to date back to medieval times. The wappenshaw or wap for short, (from the Old English for "weapon show") was originally a gathering and review of troops formerly held in every district. The object was to satisfy the military chiefs that the arms of their retainers were in good condition and that the men were properly trained in their use. Sadly this spring show was banned in the late nineteenth century by the court at Whitminster due to ‘debauchery’, and the church extended its arms to gain control of the lazy, rowdy Runnickans.
Revived the 1970’s by the late Rev. Nial Morrison this ancient tradition is still gaining momentum after more than 50 years. The simple blessing and procession of the day has become an event that has deep roots and support within the community, a heritage to be proud of. The queens and Mayors of today were the flag and flowers bearers of 50 years ago.
The blessing of the cheese, and food in general, can be traced to the origins of most of the world's religions, when primitive people first asked blessings for a successful hunt or harvest, and then offered prayers and offerings before eating the meal set before them.
Let us pray.
“Lord God almighty, if it please you, bless and sanctify this cheese, which by your power has been made from the fat of animals. Grant that those of your faithful who eat it may be sated with a blessing from on high, with your grace and all good things; through Christ our Lord. Amen”
Despite cheese still being a big part of the Sunday Spring Service the Wap follows the tradition of being a parade or show. The costumed parade from the War memorial through the village to the Mayors pool and onto Well Lease to roll the cheese, before arriving at the field still holds the essence of what the ceremony was all about.
There is still an official Sword bearer and the Junior Guard still carry swords, but the show is far more about personalities, music and dancing these days. Flags and banners still feature heavily, carried by the Flag bearers and there is an official role of bearer of the flag. No spring festival would be complete without flowers and there are of course a huge amount of flowers and colorful characters holding, wearing and surrounded by them.
The personalities themselves are elected by the parish, through a voting system, set in in place by the revivalists of yester years. The Wap continues to develop and evolve with the tradition remaining at its core. The fayre began as an event to celebrate the processions arrival at the green, originally with shops and stalls along the route.
Now the streets are lined with well wishers, the welcome for the procession is bigger than ever, and the stalls and entertainments have all moved to the village green. There are numerous national and local charity and fund raising stalls and games that set up at the field.
There are displays in arts and crafts, as well as have a go workshops. The fun dog show pulls a large crowd and has a large presence at the fayre. Inflatable fun fairs, and rides. There are several food offering catering to all types tastes as well as liquid refreshments both alcoholic and not.
At the heart of the Wap is community and we try to engage with all ages and types, and provide something for everyone. The Wap is a glass free event. We consider the environment in which we live as part of our community not separate, and consider the environment in all we do. We recycle and compost everything we can on the day and continue to work towards a carbon neutral event of the future.