As I watched the children running through the streets of Ottery, carrying flaming barrels on their shoulders, I couldn't help but feel amazed.

It made me realize how fortunate they were to have the chance to participate in a tradition that has been passed down through generations of their families. This tradition not only teaches them the importance of having a role model in their lives but also instils values such as direction, appreciation for community, respect towards those with experience, and love for their hometown.

After the event, I felt compelled to speak to Martine Strawbridge, who comes from a family with a long-standing involvement in this tradition. I was interested in learning about how it feels to be a part of the group that carries barrels through the centre of Ottery St Mary every 5th of November, except when it falls on a Sunday. Martine,

“As far as we know, my dad, Clyde Cann, was the first roller, and he started after the war. My dad was the local barber and helped my nan Ida Cann run the Masons Arms until the mid-1960s. Even as a child, I recall gazing out of the pub windows and watching the barrels roll by. We also were involved with the carnival festivities and built floats for the processions. It was a wonderful time.

“My sister, Angela Cann, was a roller in the early 70s. In 1974, I married into the Strawbridge family, and Dave Strawbridge was my husband’s cousin. My oldest son never showed any interest, but my other three children, Lee, Kelly, and Dale, well, I couldn’t hold them back. They were taken to watch every year to show them that there was no need to be afraid. They all started as soon as they turned seven—a few trips with minor burns sometimes but nothing serious enough to discourage them from taking part.

“The tradition has been passed down to my grandchildren. Lee’s two, Baden who is nearly fourteen, and Adalyn who is nine. Kelly's daughter Ava, about ten years old, and Macy are waiting in the wings to start next year. Dale has Parker, who is nearly four years old. Parker watched this year and helped light the bonfire, so he will have to wait a few more years to participate.

"This year, the veterans’ barrel was done by my sister's son, Darrin Abbott, who did them for years and now lives in Hawaii, but flew home this year to do the veterans barrel, which was a joy to watch. I know my dad would have been so proud to see them all rolling. And so with Dave and his two children, Lewis and Georgia, and I'm sure his grandchildren will also be in the wings waiting, it's a huge family thing that brings everyone together.

"I spread myself thin watching the two girls at four o clock, dashing to watch Baden, followed by the first men's event. After that, I dashed to Kelly's, and watched the veterans, then ran back to watch Kelly's last one. I ran to the square for the 11 pm event and stayed there until the midnight barrel. After making sure that everyone was safe, I finally got home at 1.30 am. My arms were aching from carrying spare gloves, water, and Vaseline, and my body was shattered, but worth every minute."

Martine’s story highlights the unique nature of this town and its inhabitants. Many local families take pride in this tale, and although they may feel shattered at the end of the day, as Martine said, it is worth every minute and effort of parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren to continue this tradition. In my opinion, and I am sure this is the case for those who have experienced it, Tar Barrels is a cultural heritage and an educational process for those who grew up with it. May God bless them all!