Twenty-five labyrinth enthusiasts gathered last weekend in Hilton (Cambridgeshire) for a day of labyrinth information, presentations, and community. Our meeting was held in the delightful village hall, originally the village school built in 1857, that stands just across the way from the turf maze. The maze was created in 1660 by William Sparrow, probably to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy in that significant year, after a decade or more of Puritan disapproval of such practices. The young William Sparrow – he was only 19 when he created the maze – came from a family of staunch Royalists, and a number of painted panels created in the 1630’s from the old farm where he lived are now preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His turf maze, now over 350 years old is likewise beautifully preserved on the village green for all to enjoy.
The weather was splendid, allowing for leisurely breaks for labyrinth walking and getting acquainted with each other.
Speakers for the day included:
- Kay Barrett: Guided Finger Labyrinth Meditation
- Chris Trwoga: Engaging Children & Young People with Labyrinths
- Jan Sellers: Learning with Labyrinths
- Kimberly Saward: The Labyrinth Community
- Andy Wiggins: Making the Labyrinth Real
- Jeff Saward: Historic Labyrinths of the Region
