our Morris dancers need us
When I was little, a traditional visit to a village fete or county show wasn't complete without a 99-er (when they really did cost just 99p), dropping said ice cream about five minutes after I'd bought it, and watching the Morris dancers. However, word reaches us that their numbers are declining, so much so they're resorting to large marketing drives to try and encourage people to don bells on their knees and get handy with their hankies.
This is sad news, especially as there is even talk about them including a spot of Morris action at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. If you or anyone else fancies a spot of public dancing which isn't just confined to the works of Justin Timberlake and Beyonce in Squires of a Saturday night, then you should definitely get in touch with your local branch. If you'd like to work on some moves in the privacy of your own home, you might want to watch this.
Thanks to Manchester Morris Men for the picture.
Hi
Just to let you know that Ceri isn't going mad the dance does exist. In England the egg dance had a religious signaificance 12 eggs for the 12 apostles and the dancer moves through the 12 stations of the cross. In the Netherlands the dance was performed inside a circle and flowers and leaves were also there, the dancer who could do the dance in the fastest time won a basket of eggs.
Maybe it would be fun to try on Easter Sunday winner recieves a huge chocolate egg!
Posted by: Nicola Butterworth | February 20, 2008 at 12:48 PM
You want Morris dancing? Go to Broadstairs!!
Posted by: Jules | February 20, 2008 at 01:18 PM
And remember that morris dancing isn't just for men - there are plenty of women's sides out there... Come and join us. We don't bite. Usually.
Posted by: Mariask | February 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
If you would like to see Morris Men this year then visit Heart of The Forest Festival to be held in Measham on Saturday June 28 2008. We will have a traditional village fete with street parade, marching bands, stilt walkers, clowns decorated floats & of course Morris Men. The Festival grounds host traditional stalls, Punch & Judy show, fairground rides to name but a few.Visit website www.heartoftheforest.co.uk
and click on Festival 2007 to see what an amazing event this was last year and will be bigger and better in 2008. 2007 saw 4,500 visitors, we expect more in 2008 ENTRANCE IS FREE!!!!
Posted by: theresa | February 20, 2008 at 03:26 PM
I have a team of Morris Dancers at Queen's Park Day in NW6 every year. You can book them through 1st Class Enterainment.01732 456446. In fact, do yourself a favour and request their brochure. It wil take all the headache out of your fete organising. They have some unusual and incredibe acts.
Posted by: dawn lane | February 20, 2008 at 07:00 PM
really, it's not a great loss.
Posted by: mark | February 20, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I used to work for a very funny man who was and probably still is a hanky waving morris dancer in Bristol.
Interesting tales of parties with lots of ale, singing, dancing with bells on and baby tossing were the order of Monday mornings...
Posted by: kathy Angelone | February 20, 2008 at 11:23 PM
You have to see The Fezheads: the funniest spoof that only the English will understand. They always play at the Morris Dancer's Festival at Chippenham. This is their website:
http://www.fezheads.net/
and the bewilderment of visiting Americans is hilarious!
Posted by: Debbie Jeffrey | February 21, 2008 at 07:05 AM
if you wana see some morris dancing then come to wimborne folk festival. (wimborne mister in dorset) second weekend in june. Theres looooads of morris dancers, many other dancer including clog and scottish, lots and lots of stalls selling a variety of things including clothes and bits and bobs. Food stalls, bbqs, town crier. Nearly all of the pubs put a marquee up in their gardens and play live bands all weekend. The town cricket pitch get a giant marquee and plays bands, has a bbq, and sells loads of different ciders and beers. Amazing weekend. Pretty much always seems to be sunny. You'll enjoy it whether you are there for the dancers or the beer! definitely worth going!
Posted by: marge | February 21, 2008 at 09:09 AM
that was wimborne minster... not mister!
Posted by: marge | February 21, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Yay!
Loving the bigging up of the Morris! Not just for old men with beards. I joined aged 31 and found it excellent way of combining exercise and drinking - at the same time!!!
www.baldockmidnightmorris.org.uk
Posted by: Sarah | February 21, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Check out any folk festival to see Morris dancers.
Towersey is a good place to meet a lot of younger generation folkies!
I don't wave hankies myself but have been jigging around in clogs since I was 17.
I have been a groupie for Ripley morris Men for 26 years now - since the day I was born in fact.
I dance for a Notts based side so if your interested find us at: www.sgtmusgraves.force9.co.uk
Posted by: Lucy | February 22, 2008 at 10:00 AM