Bizzare Cult Invades Whitby!
Members of a secretive subculture are invading the sleepy seaside resort
of Whitby every halloween in
increasing numbers. Among the happy-go-lucky hordes of perfectly innocent
goths clad in bright
pinks and
yellows lurks a minority of stern-faced "indiviuals", invariably wearing
black. The only other distinguishing features these homogenised masses posses
are their video cameras.
I observed a small clan of camera men hanging around Whitby's premiere
art gallery. Distracted
by the presence of the Mayoress, whom these n'er do wells were attempting to
interview, the goths were allowed to
enjoy their
exhibition in peace. In an open gesture of tolerance, her ladyship
was heard to comment that she had no objection to the weekend's activities, so
long as none of them were of a "cabalistic" nature.
Taking heart from such a warm and welcoming gesture, I resolved to
engage some of these perhaps misunderstood people in conversation. I
didn't have long to wait, I soon spied an isolated pair of them in the
Elsinore. Although looking lost and cut-off from their fellows, the
relaxing gothic atmosphere put them at
their ease, and made them quite approachable. The larger of two wore a dark
sweater and combat trousers and was brandishing a camera. Just why did
they wear so much black ? Slightly defensive at first, he merely muttered
something about the "pockets being usefull". Determined to break the ice, I
persevered. Did they worry about being associated with arcane and satantic
influences such as
John Birt ? At this the
smaller one nodded vigorously;
"yes, definately, and Blue Peter presenters too".I was made somewhat uneasy by their morbid fascination with nocturnal events at the abbey, they seemed eager to learn of any dark goings on, perhaps secretly hoping for an invitation. I was happy to set the record straight and disapoint them. Still, both claimed emphatically to have enjoyed the weekend, even though their predatory habits had prevented them from drinking. One even toyed with the idea of returning next year to get a "goth's eye view". Sadly, they then started to take an unhealthy interest in the photographer's digital camera. I made my excuses and left, still hopeful that this marginalised fragment of society may one day gain the acceptance of the good people of Whitby.