The annual distribution of hot cross buns by the Old Meeting House Unitarians in Mansfield will take place on Good Friday, 7th April, at 10am at the Stockwell Gate entrance to the chapel grounds.

This annual tradition, dating to 1894, is a legacy from the will of Mary Mallatratt, popular landlady of the Blue Boar Hotel (now the Santander Bank) in Mansfield Market Place.

In keeping the tradition and honouring the spirit of her bequest, it was decided that a small amount of hot cross buns will be distributed at the chapel as usual, while the bulk of the donation will again be sent to the Trussell Trust Food Bank, Mansfield Woodhouse.

The Rev Maria Pap said: “Please help us keep this Mansfield tradition alive — bring your children or those of you who received buns as a child, why not come along at 10am on Good Friday to Stockwell Gate (next to B&M) and have a hot cross bun for old time’s sake!

“Tony Wade, a local folk musician, will enact the old custom of street criers, singing the famous verses: “Hot cross buns. Hot cross buns. One a penny, two a penny. Hot cross buns.”

“From 11am we invite you to a short devotional service at the chapel with a Transylvanian Unitarian Passion Story — the story of Jesus’s last days — performed by readers, members of the Old Meeting House choir, and friends, under the direction of Simon Hurrell.”

On Easter Sunday, a service at the chapel will take place at 11am, preceded by a communion service at 10am. Check out the Facebook page Old Meeting House Mansfield or the chapel’s noticeboards for information.