“Those who entered the race were the fit young men, the not-so-young, or married men, or any male keen to run such as fancies his chances in the ribbons”, says Jim.

So off they went around the field opposite The Bull Inn. After much physical effort, the winner was awarded the prize of the bride’s ribbons.

Toast to the bride ... in song

There followed a toast to the married couple whereupon the song The Bride’s Good Health was sung. This was the custom in the early 1900s, but in time the custom of the race petered out.

This was replaced by an evening of dominoes, the winner being awarded the prize, which by now had become a box of cigarettes, chocolates, or a bottle of whisky. Quoits, still a popular pastime in these parts, was played as well as dominoes.

After the toast was sung there followed songs by anyone else willing to sing, but even this died out by the 1950s.

Revival of the custom

MU’S FATHER was a singer, and decided to revive the custom of the toasting song at his daughter’s wedding.

When Mu and Jim returned from their honeymoon, celebrations took place at The Black Bull in Ugthorpe, as usual, but on this occasion John White sang The Bride’s Good Health. This was followed by others who sang each in their turn.

The bride’s good health

The bride’s good health will now begin
In spite of the Turk or the Spanish king.
The bridegroom’s health we will not let pass,
We have them both in one glass.
See, see, see that he drinks it all.
See, see, see that he lets none fall.
And if he do we shall have the two,
And so shall all of the company round!

Jim demonstrates drinking the bride's health ... and Mu looks on for spillages!

So what could be the meaning of the song?

It would seem the bridegroom is set up with a glass which contains both of their drinks, symbolic of the good health of himself and his bride. The aim must have been for the bridegroom to drink off the whole without spillage, otherwise that would be a bad omen for their future together.

Failure to achieve this would be met with a forfeit! and should he fail to drink off the contents in one go, and without spillage, then he must pay for two drinks to each of the company!

But now the custom lives only in the memory of the older generation in the village, and Mu and Jim who have fond memories of their own wedding, illustrating the important role ritual and custom play in our lives.

Jack Gallon of an old family from Ugthorpe has the tune, and it is to be recorded soon for future generations.