July 2012 Issue No 66 The Original Welsh Border Morris Men – The 38th Christmas Tour 2011 The Squire by Mike Finn to be perfectly acceptable. So try and envisage 50 men from all The Rogers coach arrives at 9:00. page corners of England searching whatever Jim, the regular utterly obliging 2 passes for organisation in their homes understanding driver, is as excited as to find the once-a-year Original Welsh the men about the tour. News Border Morris kit – finding, perhaps, Driving through Worcester, watching little surprises from last year’s tour in the unenviable last minute shoppers page their bags like pieces of uneaten black dashing around, we pick up others on Jigs Weekend 14

Sean Goddard/Bryan Jackson 4

Lichfield Tutorial 11

Geoff Hebditch 8 Derek Bradburne 9

NEW: Crossword 12/13

Squire Elect 13 pudding, (still in surprisingly good the way, JB, our fool, with his fresh shape!), a broken short stick, a list of trout firmly stuck to his hat, (don’t ask), Clubs important noted - never to have been the others patiently waiting outside the page followed up - messages, etc.. Cathedral acknowledging the amused Orginal Welsh Border smiles from shoppers that pass. Morris 1 The anticipation of a day to remember is reinforced on the coach by “waiter” Jockey Morris Men- service with first, Richard’s black Double Jubilee 3 pudding on a stick and then Derrick’s chocolate liqueurs served on a silver Greensleeves-Nights salver not to mention the countless hip at the Opera 10 flasks being passed round and a barrel of Barker’s Best Cider. An early start then to get to The Fox As we pull into White Ladies Aston Letters Inn in Wichenford, Worcester for a older members will have recollected wholesome breakfast at 8:00am with the one or two spectators who might page many old friends from other sides have grudgingly watched from their Geoff Jerram 6 – somehow a pint at this hour on windows in the earliest tours but Steve Archer 6 Christmas Eve in such company seems now we are greeted by at least fifty (..continued on back page ) Squire’s Capers Boxing Day in Harthill is always Friday 13th is probably not the a joyous occasion. Three Shires date of choice to have a knee Ladies Clog team joins Harthill operation but my second keyhole Morris for dancing displays outside arthroscopy went well in January the Bluebell and the Beehive before and reintroduced me to the pleasure retiring to the warmth of the latter of pain-free dancing. There is hostelry for a few pints and a lusty life beyond the operating table singing session of traditional and and I would encourage any knee Sheffield carols. It is rewarding to suffering dancers to seek early know that there are countless other consultation for such problems, as Morris sides turning out all over modern intervention can be quick, the country on this traditional day simple and extremely effective. of dance and evoking memories Geoff Jerram and his hard-working of that pivotal meeting between crew obliged as usual in January by Sharp & Kimber on Boxing Day at The Squire with Immediate Past running an excellent and rewarding Headington Quarry in 1899. Treasurer, Ed Worrall jigs instructional. Doctor’s orders The Christmas and New Year initial nervousness, as did all the prevented me from dancing of Mumming season coaxes Harthill attendant MR sides. course but I was honoured to be Tuppers from their aestivation The reward for a grand Plough Day invited to the feast and to deliver resulting in a local hospice out was a trip up the road to Stafford the toast to the immortal memory. benefitting to the tune of £2,300 Morris Men’s annual feast that A verbatim rendition of my narrow this year thanks to the efforts of same evening. This gourmand’s boat story there recounted may our Derby Tup. It should not be delight failed to disappoint as be obtained from Joe Oldaker or forgotten that so many member usual and I can’t decide whether Tony Ashley (Anker MM) whose sides do legion works for charity my champagne moment was the Squire-stalking activities have led and we salute them all for these exquisite roast beef, the calorie- to them hearing the tale now on efforts. The true potential of strewn dessert tables or the three occasions! charitable collecting by the Morris discussion on composting with Ripley MM host one of the best- has never been fully explored but Jack Brown. Quite a night! A attended feasts of the year at the we have determined to address great deal of effort is being applied end of January and once again that this year by combining with to the encouragement of youth in they extended their usual brand of the Federation and Open Morris today’s Morris and it was a huge hospitality to an enthusiastic guest for a national fund-raising drive boost to be entertained by some list. It is always nice to bolster these in favour of Children in Need. We excellent solo violin performances functions with local dignitaries have high hopes that all sides will by the young lads in the Stafford and 2012 saw not just one but contribute and that a substantial side. Well done! two local mayors at the function, aggregate sum will result. John Colbert’s illness had one of whom is a member of the It is vital that clement weather prevented his attending the 2012 Ripley side! The only complaint dawns in early January blessing Stafford feast. Together with BfB, heard that evening was from ‘The the annual gathering of Jockey I took the opportunity to visit Wellington’ across the road where MM and their friends for the him in hospital later in January takings were down apparently due Plough Day dance in Birmingham but sadly this was to be our last to the non-attendance of Richard city centre. We were amply meeting. The huge numbers that Hankinson (Saddleworth MM). rewarded this year and a splendid turned out for John’s funeral at the We should always be mindful of time we had. Our hosts admitted end of March was testament to his the encouragement we get from our to being nervous having invited popularity and achievements. We womenfolk and it is nice to seize a mixed side to join them for the can but offer our condolences to an opportunity to demonstrate first time; but they need not have John’s family and those of all our our thanks. The extended Von worried. Bedcote Morris acquitted colleagues who have passed on Garland family have brought much themselves well despite their own recently. to the Morris Ring over the years (continued on next page) 2 (continued from last page) and thus it was a delight to help the first time in many years, we meeting revealed that co-operation Emma Melville (née Von Garland) accepted two UK sides into full between our three organisations is celebrate a milestone birthday membership of our association. working well. It is useful to hear (21 again) in February. A foot of Devil’s Dyke Morris Men and differing viewpoints and to tackle snow was insufficient to deter the North British Sword Dancers each issues common to or for the good hardiest attendees although many received excellent plaudits from of all three orgs. I am a staunch became blizzard bound and never Officers and Area Reps who had believer in pooling resources for arrived. They missed a super assessed their abilities recently mutual benefit and a fine example party! It is appropriate here I think and all delegates welcomed them of this was the JMO publicity to thank all our families for giving enthusiastically. workshop I travelled to at the start us such massive and continued I do enjoy ale feasts that have their of March. All who attended found support as we indulge in our noble own distinct flavour and found content interesting and useful. traditions. such individuality at the Kennet Few Morris Ring sides have taken Harthill Morris has never been gathering in February. The flavour advantage of these symposia to slow in stepping up to the plate to in question was pickling. I have date and I would urge all sides to offer support to the Morris Ring to confess that this was my first look out for future such events and so it was in February that attendance of an event where and to attend them. We are not the representatives from across our pickled sprouts, pickled root fount of all knowledge nor should world gathered in Spinkhill for the ginger, pickled eggs and pickled we be reinventing the wheel. ARM hosted by my home side. A garlic were all on offer. Needless As the summer dancing season high quality of accommodation to say there will inevitably be a plays out, I trust that the tide together with exquisite cuisine repeat performance! Kennet MM of drought creeping up my made the cost a little above the are great hosts, good company wellingtons will abate and allow norm but to judge by the letters and their bonhomie alongside a us some decent weather to ply our of thanks and praise received homely sing-around with lashings trade through the summer months, subsequently, it was a price well of port rounded off a most pleasant continuing to entertain and educate worth paying. There was little evening. our audiences in the ways of the of contentious nature to debate To work again the following Morris. and business of the weekend was day attending the JMO AGM conducted without fuss. We must together with Charlie Corcoran. Peter J Halfpenney not overlook the fact that for A constructive if rather lengthy Squire of the Morris Ring

Jockey’s Double Diamond Jubilee

In an attempt to outdo the both held numerous Office Queen, Jockey Morris Holder positions in the Club, recently celebrated 60 and all members over the years of unbroken Jockey years have benefitted from membership, from 2 of them teaching morris, sword, our earliest and most loyal rapper, and choreographing stalwarts, Ted Cassidy, & dances for numerous public Bill Kinsman. events. Ted & Bill both joined It is hoped that both of them Jockey in 1952, after still have many more years left being recruited from the Ted Cassidy & Bill Kinsman at Jockey practice January with the Club. Their dancing Acocks Green Folk Dance 2012. Photo JMM days may now be limited, but Club, along with Stan Smith they still have plenty more & David Pearmain. Both of knowledge, experience, and both Ted and Bill, for their unfailing their wives Maureen Cassidy & wisdom, to pass on to younger support and encouragement over Barbara Kinsman were also keen members of the side. the past 60 years. As well as being morris and country dance teachers. very competent dancers, they have The Club is very much indebted to

3 Sean Goddard interviews Bryan Jackson

SG: How long have you been usual speed is about 160 beats length? playing for? per minute (bpm). On a good day I always play the tunes in the same I have been playing the fiddle when everything is going with you set order, and it tends to be twice since I was five, and I joined it goes up to about 180 bpm which through each tune, but by the time Monkseaton in 1957 when I was is about the fastest you can do it I am getting towards the end there 13 years old. At that time Colin and get away with it. But usually it is a particular tune that works well Ross was the main musician, and is around 160 or 170 bpm. (During with the somersaults and I need he played the melodeon, fiddle and the Saturday evening performance that for the double and also for the (Northumberland) pipes and later in the Thaxted Ring Meeting 2011, triple somersault so that tune gets was a member of the High Level I recorded the speed at 178 bpm) played longer. I also play the tunes Ranters. Alan Brown was then the SG: Is that also the speed you in this order to get a better rotation squire and knew I played the fiddle would practice at? of key changes and was at his school and that is Yes, once we have the basic steps SG: So what is special about the how I started and ended up in the with a new member in and through tune for the somersaults - does it team. the figures at a somewhat slower have a push-up? SG: When you are playing for the speed, then we tend to practice at Yes it as a push up. It has a push-up rapper, what are you playing to? around 165 bpm. to start it and they have got to land Playing for the rapper is a very SG: And the tunes you are playing? in 4 beats, so the tune does have a finely judged thing. You have to They are a slightly re-work of little break after 5 beats. watch what the dancers are doing, what is called the Jimmy McKay’s SG: So it takes 4 beats to swing the seeing if they are struggling with selection. Jimmy McKay was the man over the top? the speed or whatever. I could be fiddler for the Royal Earlsdon Yes, and to land on his feet. And playing too fast or too slow. You Sword dancers in the days of then he can go off again. By using have got to judge finely the speed Joey? Osbourne back in the 1940s that particular tune I can match it at which you play. But equally with and 50s and he play a set of tunes to the somersault. The other reason the rapper it has got to be driven, which Alan Brown was able to get we changed the order slightly was and this is the thing Alan Brown a copy of. I have changed to order so I can get that tune in the right always stressed to Monkseaton. slightly to get a better start with place. It has always got to be pushed, the key of A with The Blackthorn SG:So it takes 4 beats to swing the and time you have danced 6 or 7 Stick, whereas Jimmy started with man over the top? figures and the team is beginning the A minor tune The Tenpenny Bit Yes, and to land on his feet. to flag that’s when the musician which was not such a good tune to And then he can go off again. has to work harder. It has got to be start with. You need a tune that By using that particular tune I kept up to speed, but similarly you grabs the attention of the audience, can match it to the somersault. have got to keep the thing driving grabs the attention of the dancers The other reason we changed the along so that the team doesn’t flag so I want the rising note to hit order slightly was so I can get that too much. It is a finely judge thing, the top A, rather than the slightly tune in the right place. it is like playing for Morris as it flatter start of The Tenpenny Bit. SG: Was there a fiddler that played is no use playing too slowly for a SG: And what are the other tunes before you? team that cannot get off the ground that you play? Yes, that was Colin Ross. I was which ones sees too much these Blackthorn Stick A 13 or 14 at that time and I was days. But equally, you don’t want Tenpenny Bit (nominally G, but it dancing and I was watching and to be flogging along at a huge rate finishes on an A!) listening to what he was doing of knots ??? Ballybunion G and when I started playing for the SG: Cecil Sharp said the rapper The Laird o’ Cockpen Am rapper I obviously pick up things was played at a barbaric speed. Humours of Donnybrook A that Colin did. He was a very good How fast do you play? Father o’ Flynn D mentor and gave tips – you might It varies with the performance, want to try the surface you are dancing on SG: And these tunes, do you play and the audience reaction, the them in the same set order and (continued on next page)

4 (continued from page 4 ) rapper. Colin occasionally would because of the blow suck reed. this tune as it is a better tune than play the melodeon at practice if Unlike the accordion which is just that one. He was a very good tutor he had forgotten his fiddle. The continuous, you can get that bit The other thing that is important melodeon is the only instrument more drive out of the melodeon that I would like to stress that that can get close to the drive the than the accordion. Fiddle is really playing for rapper there are only fiddle can make, but if you ask the instrument for the rapper. really two instruments that work. Alan who plays the melodeon Sean Goddard is a member of One is the fiddle, and the other is occasionally for rapper he will Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men the penny whistle and those are say it is very hard to play at and Bryan Jackson is a member of the traditional instruments for the that speed and to keep the drive Monkseaton Morris Men.

Boxing Day 2011

Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men, with ‘Dearest Dicky’, and a Mummer’s Play: ‘Well Doctor, try your Skill.”

Photos: John Goddard

Ravensbourne Morris Men, left, have been dancing at the Greyhound in Keston since 1963, at the request of Dr Kildare (Richard Chamberlain) who spent Christmas in the area! Perhaps he will turn up on the 50th Anniversary next year!

Photo: Steve Archer

5 The Morris Ring Circular July 2012 Issue No 66 Letters To The Editor

From Geoff Jerram

Dear Harry I was looking at the this village scene (picture, right) in a model village on the island of Tenerife and said, to no-one in particular, ‘that reminds me of a time many years ago Morris dancing in Spain at a carpet of flowers festival’. The chap next to me, also English and obviously having overheard my comment, replied - ‘so if you’ve tried Morris dancing have you also tried incest?’. In my haste to find a suitably witty response I think I said - ‘Not yet!’. Our conversation came to a fairly abrupt end. Can’t think why! For those of you who remember the Following Will Partridge’s article little boy who started dancing at the in Circular no 64 about the Cheers age of 4 with a perfect performance discovery of a long lost tradition at of Swaggering Boney, learnt only Headington, I have been trawling Geoff from watching the men dance out; our archives and discovered this I have news. His early courage, rare photo of my Grandfather Dan Both from Steve Archer shown fighting other Morris Men practicing with the Warmington- twice his own size, has developed on-Sea Morris Men in 1940. Dan Dear Harry somewhat recently. Having grown Archer moved from Ambridge to the statutory Morris Man’s beard Warmington-on Sea to support the Further to the letter from Bill Holt he seems to have rounded up a Home Guard and trained the men (September 2011, MRC Issue 64) few other bearded blokes, whilst in the rarely performed Borsetshire comprehensively correcting the on tour in Afghanistan, and gone tradition. Their dances were truly errors in my report of his 90th in for some fighting rather more indescribable and guaranteed to birthday, published in the previous dangerous than the Ring insurance repel any foreign invader. Like circular, I would like to profusely would normally cover. As a result the Headington discovery, they apologise for my inaccuracies. I he has been awarded The Military too have been immortalised can only claim the journalist’s Cross. on television and now in stage excuse of “never let the truth get in You will find that the official MOD productions throughout the the way of a good story” citation differs somewhat from the country. If you would like to ensure Bill also mentioned my son above. I can’t promise that such that you avoid this repulsive sight, Russell’s award of the Military errors will not occur in the future. make sure you miss any production Cross and so I would like a further of the Dad’s Army version of the case of sloppy reporting to be taken Yours Godiva Affair. into account. My report of his action at the time was as follows. Steven Archer Yours

Fellow Morris Men Dear Harry Steven Archer Picture on page 7 6 The Morris Ring Circular Editorial Editor: Harry Stevenson 59 Oliver’s Battery Road North Winchester Hampshire SO22 4JB 01962 855911 [email protected]

Congratulations to Robin Springett glorious Autumn. We all deserve Meetings and any special Days on his elevation to the high office, that. of Dance that you attended. The as Squire Elect. Peter Halfpenney Copy Date is 30th September 2012 will dance out at the Hartley Despite requests for Christmas and look forward to receiving your Morris Ring Meeting, with Robin and New Year reports little was contributions. dancing in. I am sure we all wish forthcoming so we are grateful him well when he takes up the to Chanctonbury, Ravensbourne The Editor offers his apologies Staff. and especially the Original Welsh for the lateness of this edition Boarder Morris for their respective due entirely to his unexpected Let us all hope the weather will reports and photographs. redundancy and urgent need to turn and enable an Indian Summer For the next edition it would be secure employment, which has to flourish before the onset of a good to feature 2012 Morris Ring now occurred.

Warmington-on-Sea Morris Dancers, circa 1940, attrib to Bresson et al. Clive Done (sic) on piano. (See Steve Archer’s letter page 6). Ed. assumes Steve’s grandfather is dancer far right. 7 [Norman] Geoff[rey] Hebditch - 1 July 1947 – 11 November 2011

I have been asked to say a few at the Sheraton Hotel in Baghdad words about Geoff … how about: where he didn’t want to get his hair irascible; stubborn; argumentative; wet. However, at the main show in eccentric; skilful; humorous; Babylon he excelled. gentle; thoughtful; mad as a hatter. King John’s had danced Northwest, I think that John Miller and I were Cotswold, rapper and border. responsible for teaching Geoff to Geoff danced and fooled for the dance the morris at King John’s Cotswold and Border and Bettied, from about 1982/83. He was a in red boots, for the rapper. natural dancer, elegant despite his For the final bow, in full border kit height, although that occasionally at approaching 40° Celsius, we ran led to problems. out in two lines to cross through As in all things, he took to the and end on the stage edge; Geoff morris with enthusiasm; by led one line, I the other, but Geoff Christmas of 1983 he had become leapt clean over my head and an integral part of the King John’s landed with his feet hanging off the mummers, appearing as the Doctor edge, to a cheer from the audience, in an enormous stove pipe hat including the British Ambassador! which had a presence all of its It was all broadcast on Iraqi TV, own. At least he probably qualified Geoff Hebditch, Fool but, sadly, the recording never as a noble Doctor, given his entry made it out through customs. in Burke’s peerage. sarcasm only the police can Geoff also joined Winchester Naturally, he adapted the Doctor’s muster, looked him up and down Morris Men as a dancer in the part in the play; it still includes and enquired “Theatrical, are we, late 1980’s; he had a habit of one of his jokes about “van Sir?” to which Geoff responded, at turning up to the dance spots in aerial disease” to accompany the length ... and collected £3.00 from whites on either his Norton ES2 production, with a flourish, of a them! or Benelli motorbike. His height large fake “hypodermic” syringe Geoff’s fooling for King John’s and enthusiasm were not always with which to cure the Turkish started in about 1985 when Harvey a blessing – on one occasion at Knight. Green decided to hang up his practice in “Old Woman Tossed As Turkish Knight, I was once bladder. As ever Geoff approached Up”, Bledington, he put his stick pinned to the floor with the it with enthusiasm and a particular though the fluorescent lights hypodermic by Geoff at the penchant for glove puppets. Quite hanging from the roof; the resulting Queens Head in Titchfield, in front what the children thought of him shower of broken glass and of a roaring fire; Geoff milked and the puppets is not recorded, fittings took a long time to clear the audience for all it was worth, but the manic twinkle in his eye up and extract from his hair and oblivious to the fact that my cloak certainly made their mothers clothes. When the hall was later was singeing and that I was about giggle. refurbished, the lights were moved to expire in the heat! Julian Kohler, squire of the to less vulnerable positions! In the winter of 1983/84, Geoff’s Illustrious Order of Fools and His view that haircuts were blue Transit van, Gloria, was Beasts, claims that Geoff was his unnecessary more than once a year stopped by the police in the early inspiration to start fooling – now I brought him to the attention of the hours, as he was on his way home think I know why! wardrobe team when Winchester after a mummers’ tour. They When King John’s went to the took part in the BBC’s 1992 film wanted to look inside and invited Babylon International Folklore of Miss Marple “Mirror Crack’d him to get out. He did, in full kit, Festival in 1989, the trademark from Side to Side”. The rest of us with black face and the stovepipe yellow jumper and bow tie stayed needed no more than a light trim to hat. in his bag and red braces were the fit with the late 1950’s theme. (continued on page 9) One of the officers, with the order of the day, except in the pool 8 (continued from page 8) Geoff however, was whisked away anyone who would listen, about had a birthday, haven’t you?”, for serious remedial work and any and every subject possible. but he took a close interest when emerged with the shortest back Geoff was also a thoughtful, if Michael took up chemistry in and sides and neatest beard we had irregular, Godfather to my son, earnest. I think that Geoff was ever seen on him. Photographic Michael, who was always amused relieved that Michael had taken up evidence exists! that Christmas presents arrived a proper subject. Geoff had joined Wickham Morris in the early hours of Christmas Geoff had been attending Sidmouth in about 1992, but after he later morning, delivered by motorbike folk festival for 37 years – perhaps became ill, we only saw him and either pushed though the letter the first paragraph in last week’s intermittently at King John’s and box or left at the front door. Sidmouth Herald article sums him Winchester. He and his latest prop, We knew that it was Geoff by the up: the red wheelchair, found a niche oil patch on the drive. If Geoff saw “A colourful character”. with Wickham, where he continued Michael at some event, he would John Burke King John’s Morris to dance, in the chair, and talk to always start with “… you’ve just Men Derek Bradburne 1947 – 2011 Derek Bradburne, musician parts of the country to attend. and dancer with Thelwall Thelwall Morris Men formed Morris Men, died on a fitting Guard of Honour for December 19th 2011, having Derek’s coffin, and at the service, eventually lost his struggle Geoff Bibby led the singing of against cancer. ‘Bright Morning Stars’, Derek He is very sadly missed by all Britch led ‘Amazing Grace’, and who knew him. Geoff Clough and Brian Roberts Derek was born and educated sang ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. in Widnes. He worked as a Past members of the Thelwall mechanical engineer with side and regulars at the ICI, advising on the design Warrington Folk Club that Derek of chemical plants, at an helped to run, contributed to the international level, and, in afternoon’s entertainment. later years he worked at the Among others, these included Environment Agency, on the Ian Goodier, Gina le Faux, ‘Permitting Team’. Dave Hanvey, John Gregson, But Derek was a man of very Alan Rawlinson, Geoff Clough many parts beyond his work. and Brian Roberts, and ‘Nelson As well as playing and dancing Peach’ for Thelwall Morris Men There were no flowers by request, and playing for Black Bear and donations were given to The Morris Dancers, he performed Woolston Eyes Conservation regularly in folk clubs, singing Derek Bradburne Group to help with maintenance Photo: Thelwell Morris Men and playing mouth organ, of the Woolston Eyes Nature guitar and concertina, as well photography, astronomy, Reserve (www.woolstoneyes. as melodeon. ornithology, cooking and DIY, and co.uk) of which Derek and Sue He met Sue Rutter, his wife to be, no doubt much more! were staunch supporters. at Frodsham Folk Club in 1976, The presence of so many at the and they were married in 1978. funeral and at the event to celebrate Geoff Bibby His interests extended into Derek’s life was a fitting tribute to Thelwall Morris Men mountaineering and hill walking, his influence throughout his time skiing, horse riding, building with us. As well as family and and riding motor cycles, water local friends, many singers and colour painting, model railways, musicians travelled from many 9

King’s Men Lichfield Tutorial

by Mike Stevens

In November last year, I had travelled through fog, but suddenly the sun was shining as I drove along the raised embankment of the River Great Ouse, a little upstream from King’s Lynn. I was on my way to Wiggenhall St Germans to join The King’s Men in a tutorial session on Lichfield. As I approached the village the narrow road crossed a couple of waterways (known as “drains” in The King’s Men and guests this area) and I stopped Photo: C/o Mike Stevens to take a photograph of The tutorial had been provided by King’s own afternoon session we got a cormorant perched on arranged by the Squire musicians, eventually off to a slightly uncertain a pillar remaining in the of King’s with the aim numbering four. start, but patient revision river from a long-gone of introducing Lichfield There were two breaks, won the day and the structure. I could see dances into the team’s the first for an account whole team was left with that it had chosen the repertoire and it was by Mike of the sources a feeling of satisfying highest point for some hoped that the day’s of information about achievement. As one miles. Where each drain workshop would establish the dances, developing of the side commented joined the river there a common grounding into a more general afterwards; “It was not was a substantial sluice on which to base further discussion about origin only an excellent lesson gate, open at this time practice sessions. Tutor and attribution of dances in how to do the dances as the tide level was for the day, past Squire and their naming. Brief but also how to teach”. at its lowest, exposing of the Morris Ring, Mike mention was made of the I’d like to add my thanks mud at the base of the Garland, got started. The opportunity to document to Mike for an enjoyable embankments. This is whole side was there and newly invented dances tutorial and to King’s the Fens. Mike soon found that and variants. The second Men for inviting me to Entering the village, they spanned all Morris break was for lunch. This join them. the road left the top of abilities and ranged in involved a short walk As I drove home along the embankment to run experience from three to the local pub where a the river bank I noticed down to the level of the weeks to more than thirty generous buffet and jugs that the tide had turned farmland and the village years. of beer were provided. and the water level had street. I was early, but Nothing daunted, The route to the pub risen. Thank goodness the three or four of us he worked patiently included the local highest for high banks! waiting were soon joined through the steps and point – the bridge over by a dozen others and the figures of Vandalls the river - and the pub Mike Stevens is the hall was opened to reveal of Hammerwich, The itself nestled below the Morris Ring Eastern Area a generous dance space Sheriff’s Ride and Ring embankment, the top of Representative and an adequate kitchen O’ Bells, offering praise the bank being about roof that was put to immediate and encouragement as height! use for the production of we went. Music was Back to the hall and in the tea and coffee. 10 Nights at the Opera

minutes into the first act. The two visits to a Thames Valley by Roy Fenton dramatic intention was that the practice (where he was made very crowd from the previous scene were welcome). Shergar did have a If one is in the Morris for long enticed away to watch the dancers, small personal tragedy during one enough, it’s possible to accumulate leaving the heroine alone with her performance, when both his ears the 15 minutes of fame which aunt, lamenting that next day she is dropped off on stage. Fortunately Andy Warhol promised each of to be married against her will. In this Van Gogh moment only us. For instance, over the last Angela’s production, the chorus’s happened once, and the ears were 30 years Greensleeves men have call ‘Here come the Morris men!’ retrieved during the interval. ‘starred’ in one TV commercial, heralded the entrance of a fool - a The Morris sequence in ‘Hugh two game shows, a Noel Edmonds member of the company, wearing the Drover’ was over in about 90 programme (yuk), ‘Argumental’ items of Morris kit from at least seconds, so was it worth all the on Dave, a dance off with a Bangla two sides and wielding a bladder. practice, rehearsal and travel? group for CBBC (much more adult), He was followed by a hobby horse All the participants agreed that it and spots on Radio Five Live and and two other dancers. Although was a thoroughly enjoyable and Radio London. Then there have short, the dance sequence had to memorable experience. There’s been live performances at Cecil be worked out very carefully, and surely a bit of the luvvy in most Sharp House and the National needed not a little rehearsal at Morris dancers: isn’t that why Theatre (OK, actually outside the practice sessions, especially as at Mummers’ plays are so popular National Theatre). Late in 2011, various times 11 different dancers with today’s sides? Being involved live opera has been added to the were involved. The hobby horse with sympathetic professionals club’s media exposure, together entered to a Winsterish tune by the like Angela and her superb cast with that of Thames Valley and orchestra, closely followed by the and orchestra was both delightful London Pride. two dancers who simply double- and edifying. The company, Vaughan Williams’ ‘Hugh the stepped round the stage for 16 bars. Hampstead Garden Opera, was Drover’ is set in the Cotswolds The chorus beginning a different augmented by specialist soloists, in 1810. Given the composer’s tune (and with a different time and are one of a number of small involvement in collecting folk signature) was the cue for the two groups producing operas simply for songs, he not surprisingly uses dancers to face the audience and the love of it. It certainly isn’t for a number of traditional musical perform a couple of short figures the money: with 95 to 100 per cent themes. The original stage from Fieldtown jigs. Getting off houses for each performance at the directions have Morris men simply had to be brisk, as virtually the Gatehouse theatre in Highgate, the entering, led by a pipe and tabor whole company was to exit behind financial result was ‘only a small player, and walking round before the dancers and hobby horse. loss’. exiting. This wasn’t for director Although ridden by each of The present writer regarded Angela Hardcastle: if she was the sides, the hobby horse was himself as operaphobic thanks going to use Morris dancers, supplied by Thames Valley. It was to once having had to sit through she was jolly well going to have a splendid beast, currently known three hours of Italian opera sung in them dance. Angela ‘auditioned’ as Shergar for the name’s story- Czech (or it might have been vice various local sides by attending telling potential, and manfully versa). But he was entranced by the Spring Grove’s midsummer bash (beastfully?) appeared in each production of ‘Hugh the Drover’, in Richmond and Twickenham. of the ten performances. It was especially given the intimacy of the Greensleeves and Thames Valley only a shame that, in such a short 100-seat theatre (which is above a were intrigued enough to volunteer, sequence, Shergar’s many apps Wetherspoon’s pub in Highgate, even though the performances could not be used: these included so a decent beer could be enjoyed were in north London, well away mouth opening, ears rotating, and by the audience). Peter Judge of from our turf. London Pride were eyes lighting up. Indeed, learning London Pride agreed: ‘I’ve not also duly auditioned and enrolled. how to actually get into Shergar’s experienced opera in such a close- The Morris spot came about 14 harness took a Greensleeves man up setting, and (continued on page 12) 11 (continued from page 11) found I was quite overwhelmed by disciplined respect for and love of Kanssen, Barry Lloyd and William the sheer immersion in the music - the dancing (as well as the beer!) Marsterson of London Pride; and the enthusiasm of the amateur does you credit’. Chris Benson, David Cooling, cast’. If the English National Opera ever Roy Fenton, Gerald Killingworth, The last word should need Morris dancers, London sides Dave Legg and John Marshall of come from director Angela ‘The are at their disposal. Greensleeves. Thanks to all of company loved having you all For the record, the men involved them, and to Angela Hardcastle, take part and your whole-hearted were John Elkins and John Walsh for contributions to this piece. and cheerful commitment to the of Thames Valley (plus Shergar); production was outstanding. Your Allan Edmunds, Peter Judge, Peter Crossword

Compiler: Barn Bar Ale (sic) of ’Pool

12 ACROSS 25. Morris step if seasoning flower meeting perhaps? (4,4) bud isn’t eaten (5, 4) 8. Chest - the French follow 1. Dimmocks – or the Ring 27. Joint in Tyree fertility dances. Headington dance (8) Bagman’s? (8) (6) 11. A single or a double – in 5. Hound graduates groups of 28. Twelve inches below figure (4, Bampton maybe? (4) dancers (6) 4) 15. Reverse several 11s. A 9 & 19. Suggestive group of 29.Go and do this for tar in characteristic of many a Cotswold Squires helpers? (8,7) Sherbourn (6) tradition (4, 5) 10. Why bagman can’t take 30. Mumming champion of the red 17. Ascot beheaded before release booking with Posh? It’s why we cross (2, 6) – but unhurt and uncharged (4,4) don’t know what’s to eat (2, 4) 18. Saturday Night village (8) 12. It’s red on board – wine that’s DOWN 20. A nut on the canal? (4) not heavy after the feast? (4, 5) 21. A carrot maybe? Not a morris 13. Get attention for Adderbury 1. Molly’s seven from the Kent step on one’s true home (3,4) postman (5) Treacle Mines (6) 22. Diversion - on de coach trip at 14. A Bedford Morris dance spot 2. A French green containing a de ring meeting? (6) severely curtailed to be ready for large number (or dancers perhaps?) 23. Position of good man on sleep (4) might attract new men. (6) beheaded dance (6) 16. About last month back in 3. Antiseptic in totally solvent 26. Draw again? Maybe exercise – as the musicians do the morris side (5) the squire’s shoelace was undone? (5) dancers in the processional (7) 4. Angered about – like Foreman 19. See 9 when dancing is awful (7) 21. You French twice for dance 6. Cotswold step – one hanger Answers to the Editor: harry. dress (4) isn’t right (1, 4, 4) [email protected] 24. Skate around bag from dance 7. Pets back on top – to get past Winners named in issue No 67 spot maybe (5) sleeping men at a crowded ring Squire Elect

A proud Robin Springett of Dartington Morris Men, following his election, in front of the new display boards, on show at a local school Photo: Dartington Morris Men 13 How I lost my (jigs) virginity

by Dan Dewdney

Everybody remembers their first time. Mine started ominously with being asked to write an article on it for the Morris Ring Circular. So, jigs weekend, “was it as good for you as it was for me” I ask. The reply: “Most definitely, shall we do it again?”. “I would love to” I answer. After arriving rather early on Friday afternoon I set about investigating my home for the next two nights. After a few initial introductions with those that were there, I set up camp in the library. The next half hour or so involved me wandering around the hall whilst the “staff” The Pub Session after earlier practises, and below, Steve Adamson on his pipe. set everything up, until one asked, “are you going down the pub?” “So that’s where everyone’s gone demonstrating the wonderful sessions. then,” I answer and off I went. Greensleeves’ style to perfection Sherborne was next on the menu A couple of pints later it was back to (which I failed miserably to and after two advanced sessions I the hall for some food, Moussaka, emulate). opted for the basic. One exhausting which was excellent, and the first Back to the hall for tea and biscuits but very rewarding session later Instructional, Headington, which and another advanced session, this and I’m not sure how my legs were was also excellent. Later in the time Bledington. Again the session keeping me upright. weekend Geoff Jerram described was superb and much was learned, Tea break next (I see a pattern the Jigs Instructional as “an including how to not do a feint emerging here) and on with the M.O.T. for your morris”, and this step. Lunch of cold roast pork and dancing. Bampton was very well first session certainly seemed like salad followed, along with a well received by all and caused my it. It was hard work, challenging deserved rest before the afternoon Squire to comment “I and thoroughly enjoyable. like Bampton now”. So After this it was back to the pub after four sessions we where gentlemen indulged in a spot all had a couple of hours of music, singing and drinking... to ourselves, time which lots of drinking. Now my notes get I spent moving my bed more difficult to read, apparently down to the Scout Hut to Cliff borrowed £10 for gin and it attempt a better night’s was all Albert’s fault?? sleep. Saturday morning. I was roused The feast was a delightful from the Morris Ring standard array of Greek style food half-sleep with a cup of tea in provided by Head Chef bed. Breakfast was served at 8am Albert and included a before walking to the scout hut in wonderful beef casserole the pouring rain for some advanced made with pork, and Fieldtown. The session was again cayenne pepper rice excellent with the instructor (continued on next page) 14 (continued from previous page)

Jigs continued

Mike Wilkinson of Dolphin Morris Men takes a class Albert Wilkins of Winchester Morris pudding. The usual toasts were later and I was ready for the Men, takes a breather between cooking given and songs sung then it was penultimate instructional. all off to the pub for more revelry Oddington was good and go?”....”ah, now I remember... sort into the wee small hours. I felt quite comfortable with it, of”. I can’t say whether anyone else One more night of almost-sleep, being quite close to what I had was suffering the same problem as four cups of tea and one breakfast learned in my previous life as I was concentrating far too much a bad morris dancer. on what I was doing to notice. In Paul Reece of Thaxted Morris Men handling Ascott-under-Wychwood a meaty tome! spite of my befuddlement I do was a different kettle of feel, and I’m certain the rest of fish entirely. For me this the congregation feel similar, that was the most enjoyable this weekend has turned me into a session of the weekend better dancer, which is surely the as I had no dancing objective of such an event. experience of Ascott so A final feeding was last on the it was refreshing to learn programme and off back to something entirely new, sunny Sussex. I had a marvellous even if my brain did go weekend with a fine host of walkies halfway through. gentlemen, fine food, plenty of beer More tea and rest then and seven excellent and enjoyable some Bucknell and by instructional sessions. Shall I do it this point both my brain again? I would love to. and legs were refusing to work properly. Dan Dewdney is a member of Nonetheless it was a Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men very enjoyable session. A review of the traditions All Photos from Andy Pamore completed the weekend’s dancing and going back to the start caused havoc with my memory, “how does Jockey Headington 15 (continued from front page) The Original Welsh Border Morris Men – continuing the 38th Christmas Tour 2011

locals, and a table groaning with welcoming hot punch and mince pies arranged by villagers, all adding to this unmissable day’s evolving tradition. There being no “facilities” and it now being two hours since breakfast, a line of men customarily remark about the “gap in the otherwise healthy hedge” and whether this annual “visit” perhaps is to blame. The tour continues to Evesham this year – a promise kept to return nor was the forgetting of one AGM item by an officer when there are only two items! Then as the light fades we head to Upton on Severn eating Pat’s much appreciated in-flight sustenance and mince pies. In Upton we perform for the gathered masses – two huddled people, on the aromatic evidence of the hunt who’d earlier visited. Finally, to one of the world’s finest pubs, The Three Kings in Hanley Castle, the dingy cosy rooms completed with a kiss from there after an absence of ten years. made magic by a coach load of aforementioned trout and a pint Then on to Pershore for the AGM blacked-up men in black coats. from the Fool. Additional “garment where we celebrate a traditional Such a fabulous session of hearty accessorisation” is distributed English democratic process of song to round off a perfect winter to those who have fallen foul of officer election – not sure what celebration. Christmas, for most the Fool’s understanding of the ever happened to nomination will have just started in earnest! and seconding, but somehow it way things should be – wearing (Mike Finn took the photos and is works brilliantly. New members of a mac is not a tail coat, nor is bagman of OWBM..) are “greeted” and “credentials” a long black leather coat, coloured checked and enrolment is feathers are not approved of and

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