Janet, where are you going with that censer? No, we only need a handful of sand. Yes, there on the altar. In the middle. Would you mind picking out the bits of seaweed? Only they have a nasty habit of burning with the charcoal when it’s so dry.

I’ve never known it take so long to lay a few pebbles for the circle. What’s that, Fiona? You’ve run out? How can you run out? We’re on a beach, for goodness sake! Look, there. Yes, just above the tide line. At this rate we’ll still be here at Yule!

Oh, no! No! Quick, someone! Catch that dog! We only brought four stakes. We can’t do it without ‘Earth’! Why can’t people keep them under control? No, Amelia, I meant the dog, not the…. oh, why do I bother?

Well done, Stuart. It’s a little chewed, but it’ll still do the job. Over there, love, where the hole is. Could you push it in a bit further, we don’t want it slipping halfway through. Fran, stop sniggering. Really!

Okay, so are we ready? Does everyone know what they’re doing? Where’s Daniel gone? Oh, okay, I suppose it is best he goes before we start. Oh, my, what’s wrong? A crab? Ouch! Are you okay to continue? Well, you could kneel instead of sitting. Is that okay?

Right, Wendy. Go ahead. We’re all here, now. Why not? You shouldn’t need your notes!

That’s it! I’m going solitary for Beltane!

Copyright © K Wakeman