Leave a Comment
There may have been a few double-takes at the Job Centre in Wells, Somerset this week.Between the advertisements for cleaners, chefs and accountants was one requiring a witch that stated 'must be able to cackle'.
The employer turned out to be a local tourist attraction searching for a new witch to teach visitors about witchcraft and magic.
Wookey Hole Caves, which are steeped in legend, were reputedly home to the Wookey Witch. The story goes that the she was turned to stone by Father Bernard to rid the local villagers of her curse.
And, due to employment laws, the post will be open to not only women, but also men and even trans-gender witches.
Daniel Medley from Wookey Hole Caves, told the Telegraph: "Wookey Hole wants the appointee to go about her everyday business as a hag, so that people passing through the caves can get a sense of what the place was like in the Dark Ages.
"This was when an old woman lived in the caves with some goats and a dog, causing a variety of social ills including crop failures and disease.
"So the job is straightforward: live in the cave, be a witch, and do the things witches do."
With the previous witch, Jane Brenner, already in retirement, the employers are keen to fill the position as soon as possible. Though the salary of £50,000 sounds generous, applicants should bear in mind that it is pro rata, based on working summer holidays, Halloween and Christmas time.
Auditions for the position will take place on July 28 with judges assessing applicants costume and general witchiness and the post if to be advertised nationally.
Mr Medley continued: "Interviews for the post will involve on-site assessment incorporating a range of standard tasks.
Ambitious witches, looking for a key career move, should turn up dressed for work and bring any essential witch accoutrements."
And before you ask, "a limited range of potion ingredients will be available".
