Category: Blog
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Green Man, Bradford-on-Avon
The sun came out, the crowds came out, and Morris dancers of all sorts descended on Bradford-on-Avon for the Green Man festival. It seemed like in every corner there were bells, music and dancers catching their breath in whatever shade they could find. Bathampton Morris danced as part of the opening ceremony and then again…
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March 10th. Squire’s Sunday
It’s a long time since most of these dancers did any leapfrogging. Photo: David Marsh The second of our Squire’s Sundays at the legendary Tuckers Grave pub near Faulkland in Somerset brought together dancers and musicians from Bathampton Morris, the Bounds of Selwood, Cam Valley Morris, Holt Morris and White Horse Morris for an informal…
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February 3rd. The Winchester Feast
The Men who had been working with the Scouts the previous evening were now joined by James and Steve in place of John L for the journey down to Stockbridge in Hampshire, as guests of Winchester Morris. This annual event featured a few gentle speeches, some campfire songs in mock sailors’ accents, a couple of…
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February 2nd. Dancing with Bathampton Scouts
We had a wonderful couple of hours dancing with the boys, girls and leaders of Bathampton Scouts. Our Bag (who lives close-by) fixed the gig up; Andy masterminded it; Richard, Johns L and S and myself also participated. Not only was it hugely enjoyable, but it was noteworthy for the utterly outrageous programme that Andy…
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Practice 18th January
We agreed that ‘Riggs of Doom’ will be our show dance for the Winchester Feast, and practised it a few times: maybe a few more times in 2 weeks’ time before the feast. Not a great turnout, understandably due to the freezing weather. ‘Maid and the Palmer’ practised with 5 dancers (Foreman alternating in positions…
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Sunday Evening on Squiremaking Day
Welcome to our new Blog, and thanks to David the Bagman for setting all this up. The Plough Sunday church service, and the most excellent meal are now over. Despite my view that all these traditional rituals are complete nonsense, they have a certain charm, and were very enjoyable to be part of. Now is…
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Plough Sunday Service and Squiremaking
What a day we had on Plough Sunday! It started with us joining the congregation at Horningsham Church for their Plough Sunday service. It’s a lovely church, with angels carved into the beams. But very cold – must remember to wear another layer next year. After the farmers had been up to help bless the…
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Coming in the New Year
Season’s Greetings! This is the first post on our new blog, as part of our new website, set up by our new Bagman, and in this case, written by our soon-to-be new Squire. By now our current squire, Ken, will be in his new home in Horwich, Lancashire – and all of us will want to…