Once upon a time, there was a small town known for its annual Halloween celebrations. Every year, the children in the town would eagerly wait for October 31st when they could dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. However, there was one house in the town that the kids were always warned about - the old, creepy house on the corner of Willow Street. Legend had it that an evil candy witch lived in that house and would lure children inside with promises of endless sweets. The candy witch was said to have magical powers, able to create the most delicious candies and treats that no child could resist. It was believed that once a child entered the house, they would never come out again.
Also the National Trust and local Countryside Services put on a variety of walks, talks, fun days and activities throughout the year.
Most local areas have meetings of some kind, many are held monthly in local pubs or cafes, some are in members homes, others are less frequent and might involve walks, picnics or countryside clean-up activities. SHEFFIELD Albion Moot meets at the Harlequin pub on the 1st Thursday each month; there is a coffee moot at the top of Fargate on the 1st Sunday each month and Pagan Pathways have talks discussions at Airy Fairy on London Rd every other Tuesday.
It was believed that once a child entered the house, they would never come out again. Parents would tell their children tales of children who had gone missing after ringing the doorbell of the candy witch's house. As a result, the kids in the town would never dare to approach the house, opting to avoid Willow Street altogether.
North East
PF North East is a large geographical area stretching from Scotland in the north to Derbyshire in the south and from the east coast to Lancashire. There are five Regions – Northumbria, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire-with-North-Lincs, each one with a Regional Coordinator and at least one Local Coordinator whose main responsibility is making contact with PF members in their area.
There are so many interesting sites throughout this District – monoliths, mounds, turf mazes, stone circles, springs, wells and numerous natural features worthy of a visit – it has been difficult to select just three.
Blakey Topping – a mound on the Yorkshire Wolds
The Devil’s Arrows, large standing stones next to the A1 at Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire.
Ilkley & Rombalds Moor in West Yorkshire – the Twelve Apostles (previously known as the Druidical Dial) stone circle, plus many carved stones eg Badger, Swastika.
Details of the above – and many more – can be found in Julian Cope’s “Modern Antiquarian”.
District & Folk Events:
Most local areas have meetings of some kind, many are held monthly in local pubs or cafes, some are in members’ homes, others are less frequent and might involve walks, picnics or countryside clean-up activities.
We have our own quarterly newsletter/magazine – Northern Oak – published at the Solstices and Equinoxes and sent out to all Associate and Full members. There are also some members who are ‘specialists’ on the different Pagan Paths and others who can help in areas such as dealing with the media, young people or Pagan parents. Twice a year we hold a District Council meeting where views can be aired and ideas shared.
Cakin Night at Stannington & Dungworth (South Yorkshire) – 31st October
Handsworth Sword Dancers, Sheffield – Winter Solstice
Grenoside Sword Dancers, Sheffield – Boxing Day
Wassailing in Lincolnshire – nearest Sunday to the 13th day after 12th night of Yule.
Viking Festival, York – mid-February
Slaithwaite Moonrakers, West Yorkshire – third Saturday in February
Good Friday Mummers at Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
Castleton Garland Ceremony near Sheffield – 29th May
Also the National Trust and local Countryside Services put on a variety of walks, talks, fun days and activities throughout the year.
BARNSLEY: 1st Wed at the Gatehouse, which is right next to the bus station, opposite the Hospice Shop. We have an outdoor moot on some Saturdays, and a house moot with us once a month, but, of course, we like to meet folks at the pub moots first. FFI phone Liz on 01226-790156
BISHOP AUCKLAND MOOT meets in the The Grand, South Church Road in Bishop Auckland (near ASDA) on the third Tuesday of each month from 8.00 onwards. FFI email [email protected]
DARLINGTON: The Mucky Duck Moot meets in the lounge of The Black Swan in Darlington (just along from the Civic Theatre) on the last Monday of the month from 7:00pm onwards. FFI e-mail Kathy at [email protected]
DURHAM: Venue variable, For more information, please email [email protected]
FARGATE: Coffee Moot – Discussion group/social gathering; open to all. Starbucks, Fargate S1 2HE – Noon-16.00 on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Please email [email protected] or check Albion Moot’s fb page for info
HEXHAM:’The Rat Moot’ meets either in the back room or side room of The Rat Inn at Anick near Hexham. Second Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. Please note that the rooms are non-smoking areas. FFI e-mail Kathryn at [email protected] or phone 07721 494 315 or 01434 633 634.
HULL: Hull Pub Moot: 1st Monday of the month, Spring Bank Tavern. On the corner of Grey Street and Spring Bank (the town end), opposite the Hull Daily Mail buildings. Gathering from about 8:00pm onwards in the front public bar. Usually we are just to the right of the main entrance. FFI [email protected]. More info
HULL: Hull House Moots, Open Rituals and other events. As is usual for such events these are open to people we have met at the pub moot a few times. If you are unable to get to the pub moot but would like to meet other pagans in Hull please contact Ian, the Hull Local Co-ordinator, via the PFNE Wakefield Box address or e-mail [email protected] Hull On-line Forum
MORLEY: Morley Pagan Moot. The Moot meets every fourth Tuesday in the month at 7:30pm in the Labour Rooms, Commercial Street, Morley, LS278HZ. To contact us email [email protected]
NEWCASTLE: The Newcastle Gathering at Bob Trollops bar on Newcastle Quayside is held on the second Tuesday of the month and starts at 7:30 p.m. (The group has use of the back room and ‘Private Party’ sign is on the door). FFI e-mail: [email protected] or phone 07890 340484.
ROTHERHAM: Last Wednesday of every month at 8:30pm in The Old Monk, High Street, Rotherham. Contact: [email protected] or phone Mark on 07836-373913. FFI: Francis Clarke-Rowland on www.pf-lc-sheffield.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
RYTON: Half Moon Pub Moot, Ryton, Newcastle. Held on the last Wednesday of the month in Half Moon Pub, Ryton from 7.30 onwards. Look for ‘Witch on a Broomstick’ symbol on the table. For further information, contact Trish or Sonia at [email protected] or call 07968 845592.
SUNDERLAND: The moot meets in the Isis Pub on Silksworth Row Town Centre on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm onwards. FFI contact Gordon ([email protected], 07828 230669) or Lorraine ([email protected], 07548 11760).
SHEFFIELD:Albion Moot meets at the Harlequin pub on the 1st Thursday each month; there is a coffee moot at the top of Fargate on the 1st Sunday each month and Pagan Pathways have talks/discussions at Airy Fairy on London Rd every other Tuesday.
SHEFFIELD:Pagan Pathways. Semi-formal discussion group, open to all. Airy Fairy, 239 London Rd, S2 4NF – Alternate Tuesdays at 20.00 (light refreshments available to buy from 19.30) – Contact Airy Fairy Tel:0114 2492090 or check facebook
SHEFFIELD: The Goddess Temple – ad hoc celebrations, workshops, training, men’s group – Airy Fairy, 239 London Rd S2 4NF – Contact A/F on 0114 2492090 or check the fb page
WAKEFIELD:Elementals, a modern moot for modern Pagans is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm at Henry Boons upstairs function room, near Wakefield Westgate train station.Scheduled talks/workshops start at 8.30pm.Everyone welcome, all opinions valued. FYI visit www.huddsmoot.proboards55.com/index.cgi or phone Krystal on 07719364318
YORK: Kith of the Earthen Star is a corporately-led, nature-loving Pagan group welcoming all who bring positive energies into the Circle. We meet upstairs in the Black Swan, Peaseholme Green, York. We have a SPEAKER MOOT EVERY 2nd MONDAY, 7.30-10pm. Currently usually on Zoom. Sometimes recorded so it can be emailed out to interested people. We also have a SOCIAL MOOT EVERY 4th THURSDAY, 7.30-10pm, again usually Zoom though we hope to try other platforms. We hold intra-moot events online and hold rituals for the 4 “main” Pagan festivals each year and as many of the other 4 as possible. We also sometimes meet for social and ritual events and hold a Summer Camp just outside York. We can be contacted by email at [email protected]. Our website is http://kithoftheearthenstar.co.uk or find us on Facebook.
One year, however, a brave and curious young girl named Lily decided she wanted to investigate the legend of the candy witch for herself. She had heard the stories and seen the fearful expressions on her classmates' faces, but something in her heart told her that there was more to the tale than met the eye. Lily told her parents of her plan and, although concerned, they agreed to let her go. On Halloween night, Lily donned her warrior princess costume and made her way to Willow Street. As she approached the old, creepy house, she could feel a chill in the air. The house looked even more eerie up close, with spider webs covering the windows and an overgrown garden surrounding it. Taking a deep breath, Lily rang the doorbell. To her surprise, the door creaked open, revealing a frail old woman standing inside. The woman had kind eyes and a warm smile that immediately put Lily at ease. She introduced herself as Mrs. Evergreen, the so-called candy witch. Lily explained her mission and asked if she could see the magical candies everyone spoke of. Mrs. Evergreen chuckled and invited the young girl inside. As they entered, Lily noticed that the house wasn't as scary as she had imagined. In fact, it was quite cozy and filled with an irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Mrs. Evergreen led Lily into her kitchen, where she revealed rows and rows of colorful candies, chocolates, and treats. Mrs. Evergreen explained to Lily that she wasn't a witch. She had always loved baking and making candies, so she decided to share her creations with the children in the town. However, her shy nature and the rumors had gotten the best of her, making her retreat into seclusion. Lily listened attentively, realizing that the candy witch was nothing more than a misunderstood woman with a passion for sweets. She asked Mrs. Evergreen if she could try some of her candies. Mrs. Evergreen happily obliged, allowing Lily to taste the most delectable sweets she had ever experienced. From that day forward, Lily became friends with Mrs. Evergreen. She shared the truth about the candy witch with the other children in the town, dispelling the myths and fears that had surrounded the house on Willow Street for so long. The kids soon realized that there was nothing to fear and began visiting Mrs. Evergreen for treats, forming a new tradition of Halloween sweetness. The story of the candy witch serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that it is important not to judge others based on hearsay. Lily's bravery and curiosity allowed her to discover the truth and bring joy to both Mrs. Evergreen and the children in the town. Through understanding and friendship, they were able to create a new Halloween tradition and embrace the spirit of the holiday..
Reviews for "The Candy Witch Anecdote: How It Fits into the Larger Narrative of Halloween Legends"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I found "The candy witch anecdote" to be incredibly underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked any depth or originality. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the story and was ultimately left disappointed. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others looking for a captivating and unique read.
2. Mike - 1/5 stars - "The candy witch anecdote" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was uninspiring and lacked any creativity. The story was disjointed and confusing, with no clear direction or purpose. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and found their interactions to be bland and uninteresting. It felt like a rushed attempt at storytelling, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was excited to read "The candy witch anecdote," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The narrative was slow-paced and failed to engage me. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters and their experiences. The overall story lacked depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied with the reading experience. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat, making it a disappointing read for me.
4. Alex - 3/5 stars - "The candy witch anecdote" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver a compelling story. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom interrupted by brief moments of potential excitement. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations felt shallow. While it wasn't the worst book I've read, it certainly wasn't a standout. I would recommend exploring other options before picking up this one.
5. Laura - 2/5 stars - I was expecting a thrilling and mysterious tale from "The candy witch anecdote," but I was left feeling unimpressed. The plot lacked originality, resembling countless other books in the same genre. The writing style was uninspiring and failed to capture my attention. The resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I found this book to be forgettable and would not recommend it to others.