Easter cross raised on Bratton hill

LOCAL people again took part in the annual tradition of carrying a wooden cross to the top of Picquet Hill in Bratton on Good Friday.

The crowd of around 100 people gathered at the village’s Baptist Chapel for hot cross buns and a short service, before erecting the cross on the hill for the weekend.

Organiser Steve Lloyd said, “The cross is simple but sturdy and quite heavy. Four people are needed to carry it, usually starting with the older marchers, before the younger ones take over for the final ascent.

“The marchers then travelled up Sandy Lane at the east edge of Edington to the top of the Picquet Hill, where the cross was carried by the younger, stronger marchers and placed in position where it remained over the Easter weekend.

“The event is multi-denominational, open to all faiths, and to those with none, and stops at intervals with prayer and song to emulate the stations of the cross. The procession with the cross is always keenly anticipated and well supported by the villagers.”