When the thousands assemble for May Morning in Oxford on Wednesday, there will, as ever, be singing from the top of Magdalen Tower and morris dancing in the streets below, writes Tim Healey.
Tim Healey discovers why the arrival of midwinter once brought with it madness and general mayhem in towns and villages across the county
Young Texan bluesman Hamilton Loomis enjoyed the singular privilege of being mentored by Bo Diddley, known as ‘The Originator’ because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. In 1992, when he was 16, Ham’s mother took him to see Bo at a gig in Houston and, in the intermission he slipped backstage to try and get his signature on the guitar case he had lugged along with him. He ended up playing some Bo Diddley numbers for the great man who expressed delight in what he had heard. During the second half, Bo said: “There's a young man who played for me back stage. Come up and play a tune with me.” Hamilton hopped up, the rhythm player gave him his guitar, and they played a song. When they were done, he said: “Boy, I’m scared of you. I’m gonna break yo fingers.” So began a relationship that lasted until Bo’s death in 2008.
Dr Steve Head talks to Tim Healey about the campaign to purchase the former home of motor industry tycoon, William Morris
Tim Healey previews this years Oxford Folk Festival, which brings a cornucopia of music and dance to the city
Tim Healey continues his quest for the Green Man, meeting Geoffrey Somerset, son of folklorist Lady Raglan
Explore England's older parish churches and you may come across the image of a mysterious face formed of leaves, or perhaps disgorging vegetation from the mouth.
Tim Healey discusses seasonal customs with the folk scenes comic genius and finds out why the legendary Singing Postman almost delivered a killer blow to his fledgling career
