In 1905; for the first time within the recollection of the inhabitants of Peterborough, St. John’s Church Bells were not rung on Wyldbore’s day as the bell tower was not considered safe.  The sermon was preached as usual.

At the end of the sowing season a large “Siblet” or seed cake, was made for the farm labourers who ate it, and drank success to the sowing in home brewed ale or mead.

The Curfew Bell is still rung at the Minster from May 1st, to August 31st, at 8-50 p.m., and from September 1st, to April 30th, at 7-50 p.m.  It has only been discontinued for a short time and this was during the Commonwealth, since it was first started.

      Fit rings.

To cure fits:—­If a female, she collects nine pieces of silver and nine three half-pennies from bachelors.  The silver money is made into a ring, to be worn by the afflicted person and the half-pence is paid to the maker of the ring for his work.  If a male, he collects from females.

I knew an old silversmith who was in great request to make these rings.  He used to save broken silver spoons to make the rings but lately he found out he could buy the rings ready made so he did not trouble to make any afterwards.

      Wedding rings.

It is unlucky for a bride to reverse her wedding ring on her wedding day.

If a bride can be persuaded to remove her ring and have some bride cake passed through the ring, and the cake, so passed, put under the pillow, the person will dream of her future spouse.

      Games.

      Earth air and water.

This was a favourite game at Christmas parties for forfeits.  The players sit all round the room, a small ball or a handkerchief tied up is then thrown by the leader at one.  After several feints so as to catch one not watching and throw the ball at that one and shouting Earth Air, or Water, and as soon as the word is said begins to count up to ten as fast as possible.  The person hit by the ball has to name a bird, beast, or fish before ten has been counted or pays a forfeit.  A name must not be mentioned which has been used by another person as that also entails a forfeit.  It was not a game for a stammering person.

      I love my love.

This is another forfeit game.  All sit round the room and one begins I love my love with an A, because he is amiable, and everyone follows in their turn by repeating the form and qualification, beginning with the same letter as Active, Artful, &c.  Anyone using the word which has been used pays a forfeit.  Then it goes round with the letter B and so on through the alphabet.

The Quaker Wedding:—­The leader goes round with his eyes looking on the ground and sings “Hast thou ever been to a Quaker’s Wedding.”?