Jack The Lad

A foliage-clad Green Man or Jack-in-the-Green traditionally leads the procession of Knutsford's Royal May Day every year. He looks like a cross between Sweetums from the Muppets and the Beeches Brook fence from the Grand National.

This is the public art take on him as made by artist Philip Bews back in 1992, and located outside the Heritage Centre. Being tucked away in a private yard I had actually forgotten he existed until I spotted him again last week. He has worn quite well considering his delicate nature. I quite like him.

Postscript: The Green Man is the ancient fertility symbol, closely linked to the mischievous mythical characters of Puck, Robin Goodfellow, and Robin Hood. Ours it seems is said to be the oldest example in Europe, and has paraded in the May Day parade here every year, barring WWII, since 1890.