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February 2013Issue No 67

pageSquire’s Capers I 2Squire’s Capers II 15

pageDan Frooty on the Jigs Weekend 6

pageIvor AllsopEulogy by Peter Halfpenney 24

(..continued on page 10)

by Terry Heaslip

Hartley MM’s 60th season started outrather earlier this year on 1st Aprilwhen, maybe appropriately enough,we were invited to join a contingentof East Peckham (Kent) parishionersto celebrate their townTwinningwithChereng in France. The French hadparticularly asked forMorrisdancersandwearewellknown in thevillagefor our singing sessionsafterdancingat theBush,Blackbird & Thrush pub.The scene had been setas we loaded a barrel of(racked)beeronourcoachas our contribution. Thislater proved invaluableas,whilst inChereng,wehad to process aroundthe village twice, passingthe only bar -whichwasclosed.At the end of April wewere booked as usual toperformfor twodaysataCountryCraft&FoodFairattheHopFarmFamilyParkbutheavyrainandstrongwindsratherdampenedthe proceedings. This also applied toourannualdawn(5.30am)performanceat the Coldrum Stones on 1st Mayalthough themagic obviouslyworkedastheday’stourwaslaterblessedwithsomesunnyperiods.LuckilyourappearanceattheRochesterSweepsFestival thefollowingSunday

was a singing booking on the sailingbargeEdithMaymooredatRochesterPier.Itwasacoldblusterydaybutwespentseveralcomfortablehourssinginginthebowelsoftheshipwithrealale,awarmstoveandgoodcompanytohand.In addition to our weekly Thursdayevening tours, the next big eventwasourannualweekendAleon8th–10June

whichwasblessedwiththeusualgoodweather.OnSaturdaytheusualformatensued, two tours by vintage coachesboth starting off in local breweries.The Sundaymassed display and songsessionatIghthamMotewasfollowedthisyearbythebustakingeveryonetoTonbridge Carnival where we joinedthe procession down the High Streetbeforereturningtobaseforalatelunch.

Hartley Morris Men’s 60th Year Culminates in final Morris Ring Meeting of 2012

pageHartley 1Britannia Coconut Dancers 4Ashdown Forest 8Bedford 12Monkseaton 15Foresters 18White Horse 19Abingdon 21Winchester 23

Hartley Morris Men dancing at Ightham Mote during their hosted Morris Ring Meeting

Photo Steven Archer

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Within days of dancing in asSquire, I attendedmy side’s Dayof Dance along with Exeter andPlymouth, together with severalnon-Ringsides. Wewereblessedwithexcellentweatherontheday,and whilst we had a reasonablecrowd,thelargenumberofholidaymakers failed to materialise.StraightafterthatIsailedforSpainand a rather belated holiday at aquiettimeoftheyear.MynextplannedeventwastohavebeenwithRutlandon20thOctober,buturgentfamilybusinesskeptmeaway.Asaresult,IwasabletogoontheJohnGovierShowonBBCRadioDevonfrom10to13.00ontheSaturdaymorning.Iguessnotmany heard the show, but it wasgreatfun,andIendedupteachingShepherds Hey to some of thestudioguests,andfromcommentsreceived,itallseemedtogodownwell. Also, Iwas able to go outwith Plymouth on their famousTrafalgar Day walking tour ofPlymouth on the Sunday. WestartedonMutleyPlainandgentlymade our way down through the19th century housing and cornerpubs in glorious sunshine, untilwe finally arrived on PlymouthBarbican, which is the only littlepieceofthecitybytheharbourthatsurvived town planning courtesyof the Luftwaffe. Thank youPlymouth,itwasgreatfun!MovingintoNovemberalwayshasthefocusformeofRemembranceSunday. This year, the 11thor Armistice Day did fall onthe Sunday. However, I alsoacceptedan invitation toadinnerat the FleetAirArmMuseum atYeoviltoninSomersettocelebrateTaranto Night, on this occasionitwas the 70th anniversary of the

amazing attack by Swordfishtorpedo bombers on the ItalianFleetatTaranto.Wedinedonthecarrierdeck,andwereentertainedby simulated landings and takingoff by jet aircraft, complete withcatapult steam and engine noiseandsmells. Nextday, Iwasableto go flying with my brother-in-lawinhisTigerMoth.Thankfully,despite aerobatics I managedto hold onto the meal from theprevious night andmy breakfast!Intheeveningwewenttowatchademonstrationbyaveryeccentricgentlemanoffreeflyingowls!On Remembrance Sunday, I wasin Dartmouth, taking part in theact ofRemembrance. It isworthreflecting how many MorrisDancers were killed in the GreatWar;ofcoursewehavenoideaofnumbers, but verymany for sureand we know that whole sideswere wiped out in the so called“Pals” Battalions. Indeed, weshouldmarvel that despiteOliverCromwell and the Puritans, theVictorians and theGreatWar,we

somehow managed to maintainour Morris tradition through intothe current century. In payingtribute to the fallen in the warsandconflictsincethebeginningofthe 20th century,we should pausea while and remember themany,now largely unknown to us whowelost.Sadly, we have recently lost IvorAllsop, and others of course,but Ivor was a giant in his owntime. The acknowledged experton Longsword, a past Squire ofthe Ring and Ring Archivist formany years and our thoughts arewith his family and friends. Theturn out for Ivor’s funeral on the19th November was bordering onamazing. The North Chapel atthe Grenoside crematorium wasstandingroomonlyforthesecularandverymuchMorriscelebrationof his life. Orchestrated by BertCleaver, tributes were paid toIvorintheformofdance,songoreulogies by those who new himbest.SomehighlightswereIvor’sBarnsleyLongsword,WathMorris,Handsworth Sword Dancersand a tribute by Malcolm Taylorfrom EFDSS. The contributionon behalf of the Morris Ringwas given by Peter Halfpenny,immediatepast squire,whoknewIvor for many years. After thecelebration finished, mournerswereinvitedtoawakeatWortleyWorking Men’s Club, where thebeer was wonderful, food superband the singingcompelling. Ivorwould have approved! Therewere so many past and presentRing Officers around that theopportunity was taken to takeseveral photographs, which willappearsomewherenodoubt.Looking forward to Christmas itwill be a busy time for me, andinvitationsfor2013arebeginning

Squire’s Capers I

The Squire of the Morris Ring, Robin Springett as a Moroccan Prince!

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Squire’s Capers continuedtofillmymailbox.IfIhaven’tresponded within a week, pleasechaseme,as Iamamazedby thesheer volume of emails! Note Iamawayfor2weeksinFebruary.It will soon be the ARM hosted

by Whitchurch MM; if you aregoingtoAustralia,pleasetrytogetalong.TheRingistryingtomaketheweekendaffordable!Ishouldliketotaketheopportunityofwishing you all aVeryHappy

Christmas and Successful NewYear.Wassail,

RobinSpringettSquireofTheMorrisRing

Squire Elect, Robin Springett and out-going Squire, Peter Halfpenney perform their respective jigs, and Peter pins the Squire’s badge to Robin’s baldrick. The photos were taken in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle at the Morris Ring Meeting in September 2012, hosted by Harley Morris Men.

Photos courtesy Hartley Morris Men

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Britannia Coconut Dancers of BacupDerek Schofield made an annual visit to the Rossendale Valley at Easter.

by Derek Schofield

After the distinctly unseasonable,butpleasant,weather inMarch, itturnedchillyoverEasterweekend,butfortunatelytherewasnoraintodampenthespiritsoftheBritanniaCoconut Dancers of Bacup ontheir traditional Easter Saturdayboundary-to-boundaryouting.The day started, as usual, at9am on the town boundary withWhitworth,outsidetheTravellers’Restpub.Only,thepub’snotthereanymore – it closed a few yearsago,tobeconvertedintoofficesofafinancialandwealthmanagementbusiness. After a garland danceand the nut dance outside the“Financial Managers’ Rest”, thedancers assumed their traditionalstance for the processional nutdance–twogroupsoffourdancers,oneoneachsideoftheroad,eachgroup alternately dancing on thespotorprocessingdowntheroad,accompaniedby the lineof silver

bandmusicians.Itwashardforthefollowersnottowalkintimewiththemusic!In spite of a few injuries amongthedancers,theywerestillabletodothenutdanceoccasionallywithtwelve, instead of themore usualeightdancers.Andsothedayprogressed–stopsoutside former or existing pubsandclubs,OliveHouseresidentialcare home, the fire station, oldpeople’sflatsandthetowncentre.Traffic now prohibits a dancedisplay in themiddle of the roadinthecentreoftown,butthere’sapedestrianisedareabetweenthebusstationandtheConservativeClub

(now named as Th’Owd ConClub,todifferentiateitfromtheNewConClubroundthecorner– perhaps one supports thecoalitionand theotherdoesn’t,though politics doesn’t seemtobe at the forefront ofBacupresidents’concernstoday.)Abreak for lunch, followedbymoredisplaysinthetowncentre,

andthenthedancerssplitintotwogroups (one with the band, theotherwith the English concertinaplayers who otherwise wouldn’tget a chance toplay atEaster) todanceinthepubs(generally,behindthebar–there’smorespacethere).Then the dancers head out weston the Newchurch Road through

Photos, Top:Leader Dick Shufflebottom, Easter Saturday 2012.

Above, the Musicians

Left, Britannia Coconut Dancers on Easter Saturday 2012.

Derek Schofield took the photographs on pages 4-5

...continued on page 5

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Stacksteads to theotherboundary– and another, long-closed pub.Thatwasafter8o’clock,sothey’dbeenontheroadforelevenhours.Eleven hours is enough for theyoungest and fittest of dancers,butwhen your leader is 78 yearsof age, and has been dancing thesame route for 55 years, there’sno excuse for anyone youngertakingiteasy.DickShufflebottomcontinuestobeaninspirationtohisdancers.Quietandmodest,alwaysshunningthelimelight,Dickmusthave danced just about everydance,certainlyuptolunchtime.2012 was Ken Harvey’s 40thEasterSaturdayouting,andMartinMcNulty’s 25th. Martin had adouble reason to celebrate, as hissonGavinwasdancingoutonhisfirstEasterSaturday.At27years,Gavin is the youngest dancer forseveralyears.Andthereweremoreanniversaries.The two concertina players, IanO’Brien and Harold Barnes,

each celebrated 40 years withthe Nutters recently. Anotherconcertina player, Allan Clarke,whoisnow96,hasrecentlybeenin hospital, but maintains a keen

interest.Bacup is justifiablyproud of its coconutdancers. The LeisureCentre (now calledBacup Hub) and theAB&DCentreorganisedspecialevents,theRoyalCourt Theatre was open(and the Coconuttersdancedonthestage),TheNaturalHistoryMuseumhad photographicdisplaysandthere’sevena “Nutters Garden” inthe centre of town. Thedancers might attractvisitorsfromafar,butthedayisessentiallyalocalcelebration.

www.coconutters.co.uk

Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup continued

Britannia Coconut Dancers on Easter Saturday 2012.

Left to right, Gavin McNulty (first year), Martin McNulty (25th year) and Ken Harvey (40th year), Easter Saturday 2012

continued from page 4

The Morris Ring CircularFebruary 2013

Issue No 67

Letters To The Editor

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ToTheEditorFromTheNextEditoronaSuperbJigsWeekend

Well,itwasquiteapleasantdrive-no,really.TheA50isatitsboskybest in the snow, and I wouldn’thavemisseditforworlds.LastnightTerryandIgotasfarastheHeadington session, but I ranout of puff on the ‘armonica andTerry - who’s rather nervous ofwide open spaces - kept runningofftohideinthefurthestcornersoftheHall.Nonetheless,wewashedup (we used eighteen plateseach, just tokeepa semblanceofverisimilitude) and trotted downto the King’s Head, where wekept both the locals entertainedwith some full-throated singing -shantiesgalore,bucolicdittiesandall those songs that benefit fromtwo-partharmonies (fortuitously).Terry consoledNigel by pointingout how much we’d saved himon washing-up liquid, and whiletheywerethusoccupiedItriedtointerestCarolineinsomeLiverpoolLardyCake(I’veheardshe’sratherpartialtoasliceorthree),butsheavowed that shehas lipsonly forthe genuine Hampshire variety.Thehussy!Anyway, we stayed there until,ooh,musthavebeengonetwoay-em easily, and hurrooed our waybackuptheroadtotheHall.Terrypresided over the bread pudding(musthavebeenthatninthpintofBass)andIhuntedouttheScotchandhanded it round.Wekept thebantersubduedsoasnottodisturbanyonewho’dturnedinearly,andthere’ve been no complaints thismorning,soitworked.So,yes,thismorning!Afteragood

kip (I didn’t need my earplugsthisyear-bliss)IgotupandtookTerryacupoftea,andhedidthesame forme.Wewent a bit sillywith the trolley at one stage, butquickly mopped up and laid outthings for breakfast. Terry couldonlymanagefiveofhiseggs,andIhavetoconfesstheseventhrashernearly did forme, but they build‘emstrongonMerseysideandwegradually got through what wasleft.Fieldtown and Sherborne bothwent rather well, I thought -excellent playing and dancing -but then Terry returned from hismorningconstitutionalandIhadtostartalloveragain.Ican’tpretendthatwe’re looking forward to theBledington session that much, asI’ve just seen how much lunchwe’vegottogetthrough,butwe’lldoourbest.I’m more concerned abouttonight’sfeast,though:whoshouldsitatthetoptable?Terrythinksheshould be in the place of honourbecausehepaidupfrontwhileI’mjustanancillaryworkerandshouldconcentrateonservingthemeal.Itoldhimthat ifwedoit thatwayround he’s also got to make theImmortal Memory speech whichhas to lastaminimumof twenty-sixandathirdminutes(measuredontheWilleyScale)andnowhe’ssulkinginthelibrarypretendingtoread an erotic novel. Good thingI pretended to hide my hankies.Anyway, if I’m invited to, I fullyintend to run through my entirerepertory of Songs Stirring andWhimsical,which should give uslongenoughtolettheFricaseedePilchardes Occidentale au PiquleBranstonne (servedwithCrunchy

Peanut Butter Medallions andPureeofDew-FreshHorseburger)settleatreat.One good thing has emerged,though - we have so much grubleft over that tomorrow’s buffetlunch is taken care of, and if wecangetupintime(subjecttohowwildthingsgetinthepubtonight-I’mstillhopefulofinsinuatingmylardycakeuponCaroline,despitewhatshesaidyesterday)topolishoff Ascot/Oddington promptly(whichhas never been a probleminthepast),weshouldbeawaybyhalf-pasteleven.Obviously we’ll sweep andmop,return all the keys, settle upwiththe accommodation secretariesand apologise for the state of thedisabledtoilet.Ihavetoownup:wecan’tfindtheHonestyBoxforthebeerpayments.Terrysayshethinksitgotknockedunder the stacks of chairs, but Ican’t see it anywhere. The bestnewsisthatwe’vemanagedtogetthroughtwoofthebarrelsandhavemade a start on the third (thoughkeepingsomeback,obviously,forthefeast),soDaveshouldn’thavemuch to do when he collects theempties. If I find the Box whenwe’re tidying up tomorrow I’llhand over the contentswhen I’mnext in your neck of the woods- less disbursements and otheroutlays,obviously-wedidrunoutof toilet paper at one stage (andaveryperilousstage itwas, too),andadashtoPastureLaneStoreswasindicated.Well,sofarsogood,andIthinkthatthisyear’sJigsInstructionalcouldbethemostsuccessfulyet,judgingbythefeedbackI’vehadfromthe

...continued on page 7

The Morris Ring CircularEditorial

Editor:HarryStevenson59Oliver’sBatteryRoadNorthWinchesterHampshireSO224JB

01962855911harry.stevensonis@gmail.com

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samplepollIundertookovercoffeeandbiscuits thismorning-halfofthoseinterviewedsaiditwasreallyvery good considering and theremaining50%saidheparticularlyvalued the opportunity to learn somuch from such skilled, talentedandgood-lookingtutorsandcouldItakemyfootoffhisneck,please,ashewasspillinghisbeverage.

Wecan’twaitfornextyear’sevent!

Yourseverso,

DanFrooty

.....continued from page 6 Crossword ResultThere were two correct answers, but both were disqualified- Peter Halfpenney for completing it before the plebs got hold of a copy, so shame on you; and the unnamed insider from Merseyside as it was a Scouser who compiled it. The Latter deserves the £42m prize but I had to return it to the Good Causes. Win some...Ed!

New Squire, New EditorSowewelcomethenewSquire,RobinSpringettandwishhimwellinhistwoyearsinoffice.WesaytoPeter,theoutgoingSquirethatwewishhimagentlesoftlandingashediscovershisSquireshipisnowover.TothedancersofftosunnyAustraliahaveasafejourneyandenjoytheexperience.IamsuremysuccessorasEditor,TonyFoard,willappreciateplentyofcopyfromthattrip.WinchesterMorrisMenwillbesixtyon11thMarch2013andtheclubwillbevisitingthepubwhereitstarted,TheEclipseInn,inThe

Square.Shouldbefun!

Itisnotalwayspossibletoincludeallarticles,usuallyduetospaceandIapologisetoBrianPollardofBenfieldsideforomittinghisarticleontheiroverseastriplastyear.IwillforwardthistothenewEditorsohewillatleasthavesomecopyforhisfirstEdition.ItiswithalittlesadnessasIwritemyfinaleditorial.Ihavethoroughlyenjoyedtheprivilegeofeditingyourmagazinetheselasteightyears,althoughIapologiseforitbeinglate

occasionally.Inthis‘bumper’issue,Ithankthecontributorsaswellasthankingallthepastcontributors.PleasecontinuetosupportyourCircularbysupplyingTonywithplentyofcopyandinhisnewroleIwishhimwell.Heisanexcellentchoice.ContactforTony:thecircular@themorrisring.orgHappyDancing!H

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by Matt Beard

On Saturday 8th September 2012,members both past and presentof the Ashdown Forest MorrisMengatheredtocelebratethe40thanniversary of the formation ofthe side. Here’s how it all went.Asthewaveoftheearly70sMorrisdance revival spread throughoutEngland, in1972agroupof like-minded young men, includingmembers of East Grinstead Folkdance club, got together at EastGrinstead Rugby Football Club(EGRFC) and formed a side tolearn and perform some of thetraditional English ritual dancesoftheCotswoldtradition.Castingaroundforanamefortheside,whatcouldhavebeenmoreappropriatethan to take the name of thatpart of the country over whichtheyweremost likely to range inperformance? So it was that theAshdownForestMorrisMenwereborn,andtookfortheircoloursthetonesoftheforestinautumn-green,brown and orange. Fast forwardthrough the years, includingcountless heys, capers, rounds,stickclashesandtheconsumptionof an estimated* 6100 gallons ofHarveysbittertheAshdownForestMorris Men, still going strong,celebrated their 40thanniversary.To the best but somewhat fadedrecollection of those who werearound at the time, the inauguraltourtookintheAnchoratHartfield,TheHatchInninColemansHatch,East Grinstead High Street,Standen House, a National Trustproperty in East Grinstead andfinallytheRedLioninChelwoodGate. Afterwhatwasundeniablynot the driest or the warmest ofBritish summers, the 2012 danceseasonwasbroughttoaclosewithour40thanniversarytourrecreatingthe inaugural tour of 1972.

Thecallwasputoutformemberspast and present to join us forthisdayofcelebrationandafteraspring and summer spent chasingupasmanycontacts and leadsaspossible itwas looking like therewas a good chance that our 40thanniversary would be marked bythe gathering together of 40menfromatotalof68pastandpresentmembers.Asitturnedoutwehad35ontheday.The day started where it wouldend,attheRedLioninChelwoodGate,whereonawarmandbright

morning the men assembledto embark on a day of music,dance, beer and celebration.Thankfully the weather remainedwarm and sunny for the rest ofthe day.As transport for the daywe travelled from stand to standon a Southdown coach. I’m nocoachspottersoall Ican tellyouis that it was green, it had big,curved roof windows and wasvery nice. However the souvenirprogrammethatwasproducedforthe day informed me that it wasin fact a 1961 Southdown luxurymodel, fleet number 1722 andwasoriginallyusedonnationwidetours.Anyway, it was everybodyon the coach and off we went.First Stand of the daywas at theAnchorinHartfield.Oncetankardswerefilled,althoughforsomeitwasalittletooearlyinthedayforbeersocupsofcoffeewerealsoonthego,thedancingbegan.Wehadone

notablespectatorforthisstandandthatwasfoundermemberandfirsteverSquireDerekUsher.Hewasclearlydelightedtomeetmemberspast and present and pleased toseethattherewasatleastonenewmember(me)belowtheageof41.Oncethedancingwasdoneitwasdowntothebusinessofcatchingupandsharingabeerwitholdfriends.Backonthecoachandjustashortdrive up the road to the secondstandofthedayatTheHatchInn,Colemans Hatch. The Hatch hasbeenourregularBoxingDaydance

venueforthepastfewyearsand always attracts a hugeaudience, leavingnotmuchroom for dancing howevertoday the crowdwasmuchsmallergivingusabitmoreroomtospreadout.Itwasatthis stand that ourmysticalbadger made his firstappearanceoftheday.He’sanetherealcreatureofgreat

mystery,nooneeverseeshimarriveand no one ever sees him leave.InkeepingwiththestricttimetableandthemilitaryprecisionforwhichthemenofAshdownForestMorrisMen are renowned, eventuallysomeone decided itwas probablyabout time we finished up ourdrinksandgotbackonthecoachtomakeourwayuptoEastGrinsteadfor the third stand of the day.As the coach rolled in to EastGrinsteadHighStreetwithitscargoof men and musical instrumentstheHarveysbitterwas starting towork itsmagic and the tunes andsongswerecomingthickandfast.For the stand in East Grinsteadwe danced on a convenientlyrecently paved area of the HighStreetintheolderpartofthetown.Being late Saturday morning weattracted a sizeable audience, amixture of our regular followers,

Ashdown Forest Morris Men: 40th Anniversary Tour

contnued on next page......

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Morris widows and orphans andunsuspecting shoppers. For themost part the crowd appreciatedthespectaclebeforethem,howeveroneyoungladIspoke towasnotimpressedathavingtohangaroundwhilst his parents looked on.Wedanced outside the CasablancaCaféwhoverykindlysuppliedfreetea and proper coffee to anyoneappearing in kit. It was nowlunchtime so further refreshment-be it solid or liquid-was taken.With three pubs relatively closebyafewofthemenspentquitealotoftimeworkingtobalancetheequationofdistancetopubagainstquality of beer on sale and priceofbeeronsale,evengoingtothetroubleofsendingascoutingpartyout to each pub before makinga decision. Fully rested andrefresheditwastimetomoveon.The penultimate stand of the daywas at StandenHouse, a countryhouse on the outskirts of EastGrinstead bequeathed to theNational Trust in 1972, there’sserendipity for you. Designedby architect Philip Webb it isdecorated with William Morriscarpets, fabrics and wallpapers.After some confusion and trafficcongestion as a result of notknowing where to park everyonewas off the coach and ready formore dancing. Dancing on thelarge green flanked by someimpressive oak treeswe attractedagoodnumberof spectatorswhoseemedtoenjoytheentertainment.Oncethedancingwasdoneitwastime toenjoy thewarmafternoon

sun with tea and cakes, withthe tea being on the house. Theopportunityofawell-earnedbreak,tea,cakesandthewarmafternoonsun gave the men a chance (notfor the first time that day) topractice the other great skill theypossess, the art of milling about.Milling about generally involvesthe following things: a blankfacial expression, directionlessor aimless wandering in a verysmallradiusandthereluctancetomakeadecision as towhat todonext.Aswehadtogivethecoachbackatsix-thirtyitwasdecideditwas about time we headed backto the Red Lion in ChelwoodGateforthefinalstandoftheday.OncebackattheRedLionthecoachleftandthenmensettledinforthefinaldancingoftheday.TwosideswereassembledfacetofaceforaVandals of Hammerwich, whichwhenperformedthislateinthedayruns the risks ofmuch confusionin the heywhen dancers 7 and 8reachthetopofthesetastheyneedto rememberwhere their set endsandnotendup in thewrongone.Beforemovingontoagoodmeal,good beer and music and songsin the bar, one side of dancerswere so impressed with theirdancingeffortsthattheyrewardedthemselveswithaCoronationJig,any excuse for aWhisky. It waswhilstattheRedLionwealsotookamoment to remember and raiseaglassof theSquire’spint to thememoryofSteveCairns, foundermember and Squire for 32 yearswho sadlypassed away inMarch

of this year.Oncethedancingwas finished forthe day it wasdinnertime andthe Red Lionlaid on a verynice Goulash.No birthdayc e l e b r a t i o n

would be complete without abirthdaycakeandsoitwaswealltuckedintoamixtureofplainandchocolatecakebeforeroundingofftheeveningwithmusicandsongs.As the newest (this was my firstseason of dancing) and youngestmemberofthesideitwasaspecialday forme, not somuchbecauseof the connection with the pastand past members of the side, Idon’t have that connection, butmore so because of seeing thegreat friendships that have beenformed and maintained, whetheror not still dancing or still localtothesideandtheinspirationthisprovides to endeavour to makesure that future anniversariesare there to be celebrated.Thereareafewthankstomention,our sponsors for thedayHarveysofLewesandTheHatchInn,JohnWalden for producing the 40thAnniversarysouvenirprogramme,theRedLionatChelwoodgateforlettingustakeovertheirpubfortheeveningbutmost of all to all thepastmemberswhoeithermadetheeffort tocomeand joinus for theday or those who couldn’t makeit but sent us their best wishes.A very special thank you goes toPaulCareyfororganisingthewholeday. In facthemadesuchagoodjob of it we made him Bagman.Andfinally,picturesofthedaycanbe found on our Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/AFMM40*AsateetotalMorrismanandonlyarecentrecruittoAshdownForestMorrisMenandtoMorrisdancingin general, I make no guaranteeas to the accuracy of this figurehowever thewaistlineof someofthe longstandingmembersof thesidesuggeststhisfigureisprobablyaboutright.

MattBeard,PublicRelationsOfficer(aged40.25)

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Hartley 60th Anniversary Year continued.....

The month of June was roundedoff by our traditional tour ofShepherd Neame pubs in EastKent duringwhichwe bed downfor two nights in the bar of TheGateatMarshside. Saturdaywasspent as usual touring ShepherdNeamepubsintheareaonanopentop bus followed by an extendedsingingsessionintheGateonourreturn.ApleasantSundaymorningwalkon themarsheshelpedclearthe head before a final lunchtimedisplay in the company of a fewlocalWantsummen.The following day, Monday 2July, was a complete contrast aswe ventured out of our native

Kent to representEnglishcultureattheC omm o nw e a l t h

Carnival of Music. This eventwas staged in WestminsterHall in collaboration with theCommonwealth ParliamentaryAssociation and the LlangollenInternational Musical Eisteddfod.The invited audience of severalhundred included MP’s,diplomats, and other dignitaries.We performed on the very spotfromwhereTheQueen,PresidentObama and Aung San Suu Kyihad recently delivered theirrespectivespeeches.Tothebestofour knowledge we were the firstMorrissidetohavedancedinthismost hallowed venue in modern

times.Later in July Tonbridge &Malling Borough Council invitedus to represent local cultureby ‘entertaining’ the crowds inBorough Green as the OlympicFlamewascarriedthrough.Afterdancing, the side formed a stickarchforthePoliceconvoyandwewere acknowledged by salutingofficersastheypassedthroughontheirmotorbikes. The Police carthatfollowedthemthroughcanbeseenonYoutube.A week at the Broadstairs FolkFestival in the middle ofAugustprovidedsomerelaxationformostofthesidepriortopresentingour60th Anniversary Ring MembersMeeting during the firstweekendofSeptember. Thiswas attendedby around 180 dancers andmusiciansandwasourfirstventureintocateringforamixedmeeting.

continued from page 1

Devil’s Dyke Morris,right, and North British, below-dancing in, following election as members of The Morris Ring and their respective Squires collecting their Staff of Office from the Squire, Peter Halfpenney

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In the event 10 femalemusiciansattending who were adequatelyaccommodatedinspiteofbuildingworksat theschoolcausingsomedisruptiontothefacilities.Despiteadvanceplanningwewererather taken aback when arrivingat the school on the Thursday toerect a marquee and set up the12firkinsofbeer(whichwerealllive) to find open trenches acrosstheplaygroundandmainentrance.Luckily the offer of a few beersand bacon sandwiches wassufficient enticement for the siteForemantoget thetrenchesfilledandtarmacedbycloseofworkonFriday. Again we were blessedwith goodweather and five toursin twobussesandacoachsetoffon Saturdaymorning. Two tourswere combined on each bus butcareful logisticsmeant they wereeach taken to different locationsevenutilisingasteamrailway.Infactonebusactuallyhadaweddingbooking during the lunch break,forwhichreceivedadiscount,butdidmeanitsdestinationblindwasshowingWeddingSpecial.This arrangement alsomeant thatwe could incorporate some minimasseddisplaysduringthedaytowhich theofficerswereconveyedbyminibus.SpeecheswerekepttoaminimumduringtheFeasttoallowforPetertopassover theSquireship tohissuccessor Robin. This allowedampletimeforfestivitiestotransferto the pubs in Wrothamvillage,ouradoptedhome.The Main massed displaytook place on Sunday onthe lawn of TonbridgeCastle where Devils Dykeand North British SwordDancers danced into fullRing membership. TheSquire’sbadgeofofficewas

ceremoniously transferred in thepresenceoftheMayor.Followingthedisplaymostoftheattendees went to the HumphreyBean, a nearby Weatherspoonspub, where lunch had beenarranged.Tosaytheydidusproudwould be an understatement.Tableswere reserved for124andeveryone had a choice of one ofaround 10 cookedmeals on theirmenu. The system I had agreedwith the manager worked likeclockworkandduring the sessionNorthBritishdanced,Victoryandothers sang whilst the selectionof ‘reasonably priced’ ales wasadequatelysampled.It should perhaps be noted thatnot only was this one of thecheapest Meetings but no chargewas made for beer/cider at theaccommodationfrom7pmFriday,most attendees enjoyed a cookedSundaylunchandcollectionswereinexcessof£700.As if all this activity was notenough for the side we had alsoaccepted a booking to perform

for five days at the InternationalKite Festival in Dieppe only justoveraweekaftertheMorrisRingMeeting. Twelve men plus fourpartners,includingonewhowasaguestmusician fromWoodchurchMM,setoffonthe11pmferryfromNewhavenTuesday11Septemberarrivingat4amthenextmorning.With everything ‘all found’ weonly had to pay for our beer sonaturallywe toured the localbarsto find the best available. Ourmain‘official’commitmentwasa30minutestageperformanceeachafternoon which we extended toaroundanhourbymakinguseofthePA for someadditionalmusicand songs. The audiences werefantasticandseemedtoappreciateour performances. Wewere alsobooked for a show in the CasinoonThursdayeveningandthemainDinnerpartyonFriday.Ofcoursewe also managed some dances,singingandmusicaroundthetownand on the return ferry Sundayevening.The year is not over yet and wewillhavespentadayasguestsoftheSpaValleyRailway ridingontheir steam trains and samplingrealaleattheBeerFestivaltheyareholdinginOctoberinconjunctionwith CAMRA. We finish ouranniversary year with MummersPlays and then our Boxing Daytour rounding off a busy butenjoyableyear.AndwhosaystheMorrisisdying!!

.....Hartley 60th Anniversary Year continuedcontinued from page 10

Photos above: Massed dance, although all sets not doing the same sticking!

Left, The Hosts of the Morris Ring Meeting, Hartley Morris Men

Photo’s on pages 10 & 11 Terry Heaslip

12

Bedford Morris Men - 80th Anniversary Celebrationsby John Frearson

Bedford HistoryWhilst the origins of Morrisdancingarelostinthemistsoftime,thoseofBedfordMorrisMen arewellknown.TheSidewasformedin 1932, in part, from membersof Bedford EFDS, but moreimportantly, from ex-pupils ofClaphamRoad(nowLivingstone)School, Bedford, who wanted tocarry onwith theMorris dancingthat they were taught at schoolby their redoubtable Headmaster,TommyNorthern.OneofthestaffattheschoolwasFredHamer,whogaveupfootballto learn the Morris, and wouldbecomeSquireofBedfordMorrisMen and later, Squire of TheMorris Ring from 1950 to 1952.Bedford later produced anotherRingSquire,DavidWelti.The Bedford men have beenassociated with many events inBedford and its neighbourhood,as well as representing the townand borough around the UK andabroad.TheSidehasbeenlinkedwithIckwellanditsMayFestivalsince 1947. That Festival startedinthe19thCenturyandtheNorthillMayers preceded it. The IckwellMayMorningtraditiondatesbacksome40years:MorrisSunderland,past Squire of The Morris Ringand, variously, a member ofLetchworth, Bedford and OffleyMorris Men, visited Ickwell oneMay Morning and a traditionstarted.BedfordMorrisMenfirstdancedat theMaypoleat“dawn”on1stMay1974.BothLetchworthandOffleyMorrisMennowdanceas well, and with 100 or morespectators,itisasignificantevent.Bedford Morris Men danceCotswold Morris on Wednesdayevenings in the summer months.

Inwinter,disguisedbyblackenedfaces they dance Border Morrisfor a Christmas Tour; for theBoar’s Head ceremony at theSwan Hotel on Boxing Day; andwhen performing the BranstonMummers’ Play on PloughMonday.On occasion the Side still dancea selection ofNorth-West “Clog”dances, and in the past, used toperform theRapper Sword danceoftheNorth-East.Asetof“Horns”(Red Deer antlers presented bytheDuke ofBedford) appears onoccasionsfortheAbbott’sBromleyHornDance.

The 80th AnniversaryWith an 80th Anniversary tocelebrate,itwasdecidedtoexpandtheannualBedfordDayofDance

into a weekendeventand togiveit a celebratoryfeel.The weekendselected, 5th - 7thOctober, usefullyand traditionallycoincided withthe BedfordBeer Festival- and the day

before,Anker Morris Men wroteon their Facebook page “Off tojoin Bedford Morris tomorrowto help them celebrate their 80thAnniversary.Thequestionis‘willwe manage to leave the BedfordBeerFestival?’”TheeventwasbasedattheBedfordGuildHouse,whichhadspaceforindoor camping, and for thosearriving on the Friday evening,food andbeerwas available untillate.However,mostthenmigratedto the Side’s home from home,the Wellington Inn, which wasonly a few minutes walk awayand provided its usual selectionofadozenorso“realales”andacomfortableambiance.Theweatherforecasthadbeendire,andthewetsummerwasexpected

13

Bedford Morris Men - 80th Anniversary Celebrations

tocontinue,however,theSaturdaymorningdawnedclear,andwhilstnot the hottest day, it remainedsunnyanddryallday-yesindeed,themagicof theMorris! On theSaturdaymorning, the “campers”and the local Bedford men hada leisurely and hearty breakfastand later partook of coffee anddoughnuts which were served tofortify the remainder who werearrivingontheSaturday.By 11am, once all the visitorshadbeenaccounted for, andwith“returnees, retirees and countrymembers” swelling the ranks andmore Bedford Men than manyhad ever seen before, everyonewasreadytostartdancingoffthisinitial excess! The guest Sides -alloldfriends-wereAnkerMorrisMen fromNuneaton;EastSurreyMorris Men; Letchworth MorrisMen;andManchesterMorrisMen.WewerealsojoinedbyBobCross,past squire of The Morris Ring,and Paul Cross, both of whomhad previously “joined” BedfordtohelpwithnumbersonatourtoErlenseeinGermany.The first spot was the so called“PigeonSquare”inthetowncentreandthetourthenmovedtoasiteinHarpurSquare,surroundedbythebustle of theMarket. Two goodspots and it was time for liquidrefreshment and the tour movedon,slightlylaterthanintended,tothe35thBedfordbeerfestivalintheHarpurCentre.“Bedfordshire Clangers”, a

specially commissioned batch ofpastrieswithabaconmixatoneendandappleattheother,anallinonehand-held two coursemeal,wereprovided for lunch and washeddownbyaselectionofales.Therewasalsoabitofdancing-despitetheliquiddistractions.The programme then advised“Dancing in town again untilwe’vehadenough”.Threefurtherspotsweredancedintown:outsideMarksandSpencer;inSilverStreetnear the two stainless steel facesof the “Reflections of Bedford”sculpture”; and then outside theSwan Hotel, where the expectedweddingpartyfailedtomaterialisefortheirphoto-opportunity!Astheguestsallclaimedtoenjoya“relaxedday”, itwastimefora

cupofteabackattheGuildHall,orafurthervisit(bythemajority)to the Wellington Inn, wheremusicwasplayedandsongsweresung - and, perhaps it should bementioned that, as part of therehydration process, further beersweresampled!Whilstthechanceoffurtherdancingspotoutsidewasavailable,itseemedtherehydrationalternativeswerepreferred!By 7pm, the evening gusts werearriving at the Guild House, thebarrels had been tapped and thecontents tested. A number ofBedford’s senior members hadbeendancingduringtheday;somehadbeeninthecrowdandagoodnumber more appeared for the

Feast.The principal guest, CouncillorSylviaGillard,SpeakerofBedfordBorough Council, arrived anddinner was announced. AfterSquire, Ian Daye, had called thediners to order, and read out theapologies, including one frompast Squire, David Welti, AngusDarlingsaidGrace,and theFeastcommenced,preparedbytheevertolerantand long-sufferingwives,partnersandfriendsmakinguptherenownedBedfordMorriscateringteam.Especialthankstothem.The meal started with Avocadoà la Grecque, followed by aRagoût of Beef, using Jerseybeef from Cansford Farm,Cornwall, with Parsley Potatoesand Peas. A self service home-made pudding selection followedand a mouth-watering selectionof traditional cheeses whichremained available through theevening.Leicestershire’sLangtonBrewery’s“InclinedPlane”,4.2%,wasprovidedfromthebarrels.After the meal, the Loyal Toastwas proposed by the BedfordSquire,andtheImmortalMemorywas proposed by John Frearson,Past Bagman of the MorrisRing. As well as the customaryremembrance of Cecil Sharp,FredHamerwasrememberedasacollectorofsongsanddancesandasagreatfoundinginfluenceontheBedford side. After the Squire’s

...continued on page 14

14

.....continued from page 13

.......Bedford Morris Men 80th Anniversary

toast to the guests, CouncillorSylviaGillardrepliedwithsomegenerouswordsandproposedthetoast“TheBedfordMorrisMen-pastandpresent”.A selection of Songs followed,during which the Loving Cupcirculated.TheLovingCupwaspresentedtoTheMorrisRingbyBedfordMorrisMenandfriends,inmemoryofFredHamer,whenhe died in 1972. It is entrustedto their care when not requiredforMorris Ring events. It wasappropriate that among the pastBedford Squires present wasFred’sson,HughHamer.Before the formal proceduresfinished, the Bedford Squire

presented engraved glasstankardstothreeofhisstillactivepredecessor Squires, AdrianBesant, Les Skinner and CliveHaste,thesepresentationshavingbeen missed on the appropriateearlieroccasions!The tables were cleared, anddancing of the old favouritesbegan, MC’d by another pastBedford Squire, Roger Dorman.Among the massed musicians,was Roger Nicholls, a pastSquire, Foreman, Musician andBedfordhonorary lifemember -andlikeFredHamer,anEFDSSGoldbadgeholder,andwhohadassistedFredwithbothcollectinganddealingwiththemusic,when

Fred had become blind. Otherpast Bedford Squires presentincluded: Derek Collins; BruceGarner; Geoff Nicholson; MikeSargeantandSimonMelvin-aswellasthosestillactivewiththeSide.Dancing and convivialitycontinued until late, and forthosestayingthenight,acookedbreakfast was provided onSundaymorning,beforethegreatclear up. All in all a splendidevent,whichfromthethank-yousreceived,wasenjoyedbyallwhoattended.

John Frearson is the Archivist, Bedford Morris Men, and Past Bagman of The Morris Ring.

Photos: page 13, Bedford at the Beer Festival, Page 14 left, East Surrey , middle, massed dance in Harpur Square, and right, bottom, Manchester close by; This page-above, top left, clockwise, Bedford, Anker, Bedford with 2 Crosse’s, and Massed Dance All Photos in this article are courtesy of John Frearson

15

Monkseaton Morris Men Weekend of Dance 14th – 16th September 2012

by Andrew MorrisMonkseatonMorrisMen ran oneof their largestandarguablemostsuccessfulweekendsofdanceoverthe weekend on the 14th – 16thSeptember.The weather turned out to bebetterthanexpectedwithglorioussunshineontheSaturdayalthoughthe dancing was about what wasexpected–sensational!We had sides fromGreensleeves,Westminster, Yateley, Moulton,Saddleworth, Utrecht and Redcarwhichmeant two tours of around50menwereorganised.The large numbers of dancersunfortunately meant that dancingwasrestrictedtoacoupleofdancespersideperdancespotbutonthe

plussidethisleftabitoftimeforsunbathingandrefreshments.One tour headed south to SouthShields which meant we had topersuade Utrecht to go on yetanother ferry but they seemedreasonably happy especiallywhen the rumwashanded round.

DancingtookplaceinKingStreetandoutsidetheTownHallbeforeawell earneddrink at theMaltingswherewehaddifficultygettingthemen away from the 6 draft beersandsportonTV.ThelureofLuncheventuallyworkeditsmagic.The other tour headed north toMorpeth where the appreciativecrowdsbrokeall records for theirgenerosity and collecting tinsrattledveryhappily.Lunchat theKingsArms,SeatonSluice,sawalloftheteamstogetherperforming under cloudless blueskys.The afternoon i n v o l v e dsome relaxeddancing ata couple ofpubs beforeall teams hadsometeahomebaked cakesback at thelocal school.The cakeswere madeby the wives,

girlfriends and daughters onMonkseaton Morris Men andprompted one of Saddleworthto comment that he intended tobecome a Mormon so he couldmarry all of the MonkseatonMorrisMen’swivesjustforallofthecakes.Amass show took place outsidethe Ship Inn,Monkseatonwhereit was noticeable that all of theteams raised their game and thedancingwasagaintopnotch.Theteamsthenretiredtoenjoyafeast prepared by Monkseaton’sresidentchefJaneWatsonassistedby the wives, girlfriends anddaughtersofMonkseaton.The weather on the Sundayprevented dancing outsidehowever this did not stop the

teamsdancinginsideforthedinersattheMonkseatonArmsThen it was more food beforethe teams departed on their quitelengthyjourneys.Monkseaton would like to thankalloftheteamswhoattendedandfor making it such a memorableevent.

Above, Monkseaton at the Monkseaton Arms, and below, Moulton Morris Men at the Ship

All Photos, Monkseaton Morris Men

Moulton Morris Men dancing at South Shields

Redcar Sword above and Saddleworth below at the King’s Arms, Seaton Sluice

16

Asacurtainraiser to thespringI joinedtheMother’sUnion. Not as amember,you understand, but I joined them atone of their meetings to talk on anddemonstrate Morris dancing. Forginglinkswith the local community is to beencouraged. It is always a worthwhileexercise as recognition can lead to allsorts of opportunities for bookings andrecruitment.As spring dawned, sadly thefirst time Idonned kit was to attend the funeral ofJohn Colbert, that much-loved StaffordMan. ItwasthefirstofseveralfuneralsofMorrisnotablesthatdarkened2012.AsplendidturnoutservedtosupportJohn’sfamilyandtounderlinehispopularity.As is usual over the Mayday weekend,Harthill went on tour with ThreeShires Ladies Clog, this time exploringthe tourist attractions of NortheastDerbyshire. Highlights included ajourneyontheButterleyrailway,dancingfirst on the platform for an appreciativecrowdbeforeboardingahandsomesteamtrain and chugging a couple of milesthrough the Derbyshire countryside. Itwasunfortunatethat,asthedayworeonabitterlycoldwindkeptfolkindoorsandtheaudienceofonemanandhisdogwaswhittleddownyetfurtherwheneventhedogwenthome.Butwhatachangethefollowingday!AnearlystartinbrightsunshineforthelongdriveuptoGoathlandinNorthYorkshirewas richly rewarded at a historicgatheringoftraditionalLongswordsides.The Plough Stots hosted the weekendand were graced by contributions fromHandsworth, Grenoside, Flamborough,Snarkandtherareattraction,PapaStourfrom the Shetlands. This truly was anawesome demonstration of Longswordfromthesidesatitsveryroots.Withthedoorsofthedancingseasonkickedopenwide,Ilaunchedintoafranticspringand summer chock full of memorableweekends.NorthWoodopenedthebattinginMaywith theirannualDayofDance.Richmond-on-Swalehostedasimilarlow-key weekend just 7 days later in NorthYorkshire. Again dancing in remotevillages, the pointwas to enjoy our art,thesceneryandthecompanyratherthanseekingoutbiggercrowdsintheshoppingmalls of the larger towns. No feasts orformality: indoor camping in a villagehalltuckingintoafish&chipsupperallhelped to keep costs to aminimum andtoenticeeven themost impoverishedof

ourbrethrentoforkouttheattendancefeeandcome.At the other end of the scale was theChipping Campden National meetinginMay. Set to be the biggestweekendgathering of the season, we all lookedforward to dancing in the villages oforigin of Cotswold Morris. Beset byorganisationalhurdles,SteveFeltonfacedalldifficultieswithfortitudeand,withthesupportofChippingCampden, Ilminsterand Shakespeare, delivered a mostmemorable weekend. The weather waskind,thefoodexcellent,andthedancingwell executed. There is no greater joythan to danceAdderbury inAdderbury,Bledington in Bledington, Ilmington inIlmingtonandsoforth.Ihopeitwillnotbe long before another side adjacent tothe region organises another Cotswoldmeeting.OvertheWhitBankHolidayEastSurreyMorris Men have conducted an annualexcursion to Rye and the surroundingarea for over 50 years. In harnesswithGreensleeves and Barnsley Longswordthis year theydanced at no less than17venuesovertwoandahalfdays.ThisisverymuchafamilyweekendandLesleyand I were very glad that we accepteda kind invitation to join them. So longhaveEastSurreyengagedwiththelocalshere that audience turn out to greet andsupporttheMorrisingreatnumbers.Thepicturesquedancingvenuesaretheicingon the cake. I must compliment BertCleaver’scontributionas,forthreedays,he played exclusively for Greensleeves,BarnsleyLongswordandmostofmyjigswithhardlyafalter. Staminaandbreathbeyondthecallofduty!Ifled the shoresof theEnglishChannelearly on the morning of 4th June for apleasant drive up to Lichfield to join inBower Day. The city is thronged withthousands of people for this event andmemory of poor weather the previousyear was dispelled by the sunshine andspectacleof 2012. GreenMan’sMorrisconducted the proceedings and madeallMorris participants welcome as theyalwaysdo.Unusually the annual Thaxted meetingwas not the first national gathering ofthe season this year. Following twogargantuan efforts celebrating jubileemilestones, it was expected that their2012weekendwouldbeasmalleraffairand that it was. Size really doesn’tmatter and the atmosphere pervading

this annual pilgrimage was, as always,tangible.InmypersonalviewallMorrisRing members should participate inand enjoy the Thaxted experience atleastonce.ItisaMeccafortheMorris.Happy birthday to Chalice MM. Theyclockeduptheirrubyanniversarythisyearandwhatbetterwaytocelebratetheir40ththaninvitingenoughMorrismentofillabusandexercisingtheirskillsaroundtheSomersetcountryside.AhomelybarbequecourtesyofDrPaul&wifeTinkiewasaflavoursome start to the weekend. Theraftersoftheirbarnshooktosomerobustsinging indoors whilst outside certainimbibers of the home-produced ciderdiscreetly proved that their stomachswere not quite so robust! A pleasanttour on Saturday visited Weston-Super-Mare seafront aswell as inland villagesand thankfully the gathering cloudsdeclined to spill their contents until theevening.Theintendedpre-feastdancingwas eclipsed however by a deluge. Onreflection it is miraculous that, in thissummerofthewettestdroughtonrecord,thiswastheonlyvenueIattendedwhenadancingdisplayhadtobecancelled.Thepowerof theMorriseh? AstoutbreezeonSundaymorningdispelled thecloudsandbright,warmsunshineencouragedanaccomplisheddancingperformanceintheparkatWeston.Following the success of the 2011 JMOnationaldayofdanceinSheffield,itwasnice to let someone else do thework in2012. The turn of the Open Morris toorganise led us to Stratford-on-Avonwhere some 600 performers enjoyed agranddayout.Aheavyshowerbeforetheoffdid little todampenspiritsandasidefrom a couple of rather grotty shoppingprecinctvenues(comeonStratford–withall those touristdollars rolling in, surelyyoucansmartenuptheseblackholes?)itwas a delight to entertain Shakespeare’sstompinggroundwithourculture.We cannot say that we were fêted bythe organisers of the cultural Olympicsduring2012. Weeventuallymuscled inontheperipherywherewecould.Manysides engaged with the torch bearingprocessions and various appearances onlocalandnationalradiohelpedtobolsterthe image ofMorris but disappointmentthatweweredeniedtheopportunitytoputon a massed performance was evident.The day was saved by BlackheathMMwho, together with Bristol Rag Morris(Open), had been engaged to perform

The Squire’s Capers II

17

as part of the closing ceremony of thegames. They have to be congratulatednotonlyforexecutingasplendiddisplayunder considerable pressure from theartistic director but also for keepingtheir involvement secret for so long.InmidJulyanotheranniversaryloomed.Letchworth MM from our first GardenCity hosted a National meeting incelebrationoftheir90-yearhistory.Onceagain theweather threatened to send usscurrying for cover but thankfully wewere able to dance through the heavydrizzleontheoddoccasionwhenshowerscoincidedwithperformance.Thoughtfulprovision of a gazebo at the only reallydamp venue ensured that our musiciansremaineddry.HowdidLetchworthknowthatitwasgoingtorainatthatexactspotand time, clever fellows? Theo and histeam did a sterling organisational jobover the weekend and their clockworkprecision made for another memorableandcomfortableevent.Hardly pausing for breath I galloped upto Buxton the following weekend withmyhomeside to takepart in theannualfestival there. This jewel in the PeakDistrict isacrackingvenueforacoach-free day of dance. Our hosts, Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men, engineered theday to perfection. The sun shone, thecompany was delightful and dancingoutside thePavilion at the close of playwas,asever,atreat.A rare opportunity to spend a weekendat home arose on the final weekend ofJuly. Mostofoursidesenjoyregularoroccasional engagements for charitablepurposes. Harthill had opportunity tobring cheer to a local nursing homewith a dance and singingdisplaybeforemovingontoourhometurf,TheBeehiveatHarthill,whereaweekendbeerfestivalwas in full swing. Everwilling to helpand support local events, we drank asmuchaswecould.Ohyes,wedancedaswell!On23rdJulyIhadvisitedMikeHammondin a hospice just outside Lichfield.Formerly an Escafeld man in Sheffield,MikehadjoinedGreenMan’sMorrisonawork relatedmove to theBirminghamarea.Ihadknownofhiscancerforsomeconsiderable time but his worseningcondition was reaching a critical point.Itwastobeonlyafortnightlaterthatwelaid him to rest. His gentle personalityand infectious smile made him popularwith all and we were not surprised to

find an impressive number of mournerspresentthatdaytocelebratehislife.My summer had been hectic and itwaswith some relief that I retreated fromweekend engagements for the lion’sshare ofAugust. I also needed to girdmy loins for the full on SaddleworthRuchcartweekendovertheAugustBankholiday. Ithasbeenmercifullyrare thattheweatherhasrainedonthisparadeand,although it was less than clement fromtime to time,wemade a bravefist of itand soldiered on through several sharpshowers.Anawesometurnoutofthehostsidesawsome24menrantingoutsideTheCommercialbeforelaunchingthecartonSaturday.ThiswasSaddleworthattheirbeaded best, and the cheers that echoedaroundUpperMillattheflourishingfinishtotheRushcartdancewasdeafening.My Squireship was cruising to a close.RobinSpringett,SquireElect,waswaitingin the wings, eager to lead the MorrisRingforwardfor thenexttwoyearsandthetraditionalhandovertookplaceatthefinalNationalmeetingoftheyear.Howappropriate it was that Hartley MorrisMen inKentwould host this. The firstsideIeversawdanceandthathadignitedMorris interest inme. Thesidewhencemy predecessor as Squire of theMorrisRing had come. The sidewithwhich Ihavespentseveralhappyweekendsoverthepasttwoyears.Proudoftheirheritageandreputation,Hartleypulledoutallthestopstoensurethatthiseventencapsulatedall that isgoodaboutMorris;clockworkprecisionandafinespiritandatmospherepervadingthegathering;wholesomefoodand beer; lovely singing opportunities;superdancingvenuesendingwithamostmemorable morning in the grounds ofTonbridgeCastle.ItwasafittingsendoffformeandagenerouswelcometoRobin.My diary has not been drained ofengagements during the twilightmonthsof the year. I have enjoyed a fine dayof dance bathed in warm sunshine withManchester Morris Men, a stimulatingeveningwithCambridgeaspartof theirdesperate recruitment drive and a verypleasantfamilypartywithForestersMMtomark their diamond jubilee. I joinedRutland Morris Men for a particularlypleasant weekend in October and againvisited Cambridge for their 89th feast.ThreesignificantMorrisgatheringshavetakenplace inNovember. I travelled toGravesendtopayfinalrespectstomypalMartin Harris, Fool of Hartley Morris

Menwhohadcometotheendofhislongjourneybattlingcancer.SuccessfulFoolsmust have larger than life character andMartinhaditinspades.Just a week ago I attended the funeralof Past Squire of theMorris Ring, IvorAllsop. I had been invited to deliverthe eulogy on behalf of the MR and itwasanhonourtodoso.Hewasagreatcontributor to the Morris Ring and afriendwhom I have known for over 30years. Some 250 turned out in tribute;testament to a much loved and highlyrespectedPastSquire.Amuch-neededhappyoccasionpresenteditself justafewdays later. I tootled thefewmilesup theroad toBarnsleyalongwithsome50otherhousegueststoraiseaglassorseveralinsalutetoBertCleaver,Past Squire of the Morris Ring, as hecelebrated his 80th birthday. How niceitwas todispel thegloomofrecent losswitha real cause formerriment. Iwishhimwell.Likewisetoallinthisgreatandgloriousorganisation that is theMorris Ring. Ithasbeenaprivilegetostandasfigureheadfor the past two years, working hardto better the strengths of the MorrisRing and to eliminate ormarginalize itsweaknesses. The ‘back office team’ ofCharlie Corcoran, Eddie Worrall andSteven Archer has been a pleasure towork with and the steadying advice oftheAdvisoryCouncilandthemanywisemenandwomenoftheMorrisworldhashelped to keep me on track. I extendmymost sincere thanks to allwhohavesupportedmeduringmyofficeWe have achieved a great deal in thepast two years and I like to think thattheMorrisRingisastrongerentitynowthanwhenIfirstaspiredtoOffice.ThereisstillworktodoandIwishRobinwellinhisvoyageoverthenexttwoyears.Ihave just one piece of advice for him;never forget that there is amultitude ofwonderful people in our fellowship andthattherewillalwaysbeoneofthemwhocanhelpfindthesolutiontotheGordianKnot,howeverunapparentitmayseem.

PeterJHalfpenneyPastSquireoftheMorrisRingNovember2012

The Squire’s Capers II continued

18

The Foresters, Nottingham’s Other Legendby Stewart Thompson & Eric

Foxley“Give us an F; Give us an O”,shouted Mike Wilkinson to thecheering crowd. Fortunatelysomebody stopped him at thatpoint. After all it was the 60thanniversary of the “ForestersMorrisandSwordDancingClub”andthemenwerewaitingfortheirsteakpies.The Foresters were formed inNottingham in 1952.At this timethe side performed CotswoldMorris under the expert tuitionof Frances Downing. The rappersworddancingwastaughtandleadbyTedWard.In1956theForesterswereadmitted to theMorrisRing

at a meeting attended by a veryyoungEric Foxleywhowas thendancing with Thames Valley. Acoupleofweeks laterEricmovedtoNottingham,joinedtheForestersand is now the longest servingmemberoftheside.TheForestersnowperformdancesfromtwelve traditionsandappearregularly at events in and aroundNottingham. However, in anattempt to sample ale from everycorner of the globe, members ofthe side have become nationaland international travellers. It isnot uncommon to find a Foresterdancing in North America andAustralia.Thesidehasalsodanced

regularly in Brittany, performingin small villages and on stagesat large festivals. Next year theForesters anticipate having a fullsideattheAdelaideRingmeeting.In the last tenyears theForestershave opened a gas poweredelectricity generating station,performed in a chemical works,tossed up a few brides, appearedat the Nottingham Beer Festival,cheered up a caravan site, gotarrested by some soldiers fromtheSealedKnot, dancedon stagein front of the delegates at the

International Women’s Instituteconference, ridden on tandemswhilst playingmusic atVeloCity,and a whole host of other thingsthat would fill this edition twiceover. The Foresters are also wellknown for their bawdy PloughPlays and harmonious singing.KenBramman, the side’s fool, isoften heard before seen at Ringmeetings.At their 50th anniversary somepeoplesaid theForesterscouldn’tlast much longer. Despite five

members needing urgent orsubstantial medical treatmentduring the intervening years, allthe side made it through to the60th celebrations which wereheldonSaturday29thSeptember.Even more surprising was thestandardofdancing.Ithadactuallyimproved. Dolphin, Lincolnand Micklebarrow, with onerepresentative from Broadwood,joinedtheForestersforthedancingin Nottingham City Centre. This

was followed in theeveningbyamealandaceilidh,attendedbyalltheex-Foresterswhocouldmakeit.Stewart Thompson, the Foresterssquire,woundup thecelebrationsbyinvitingthembackforthe75thanniversaryin2017.You can see more pictures ofthe anniversary on the forester’swebsite www.foresters-morris.org.uk .Use the links to find outwhattheyareupto.Ifyouareanearly riser come and join us forourMaymorning celebrations bythe famous RobinHood statue atNottinghamCastleatdawn–about5:20am. We may even offer youbreakfast!

Stewart Thompson and Eric Foxley are The Foresters Squire and Bagman, respective;y.

Photos clockwise from top, Ted Ward circa 1967, Nottingham, 2011, an OWTU, May Day and Foresters in Wollaton Park, in 1969.

Copyright Foresters Morris Men

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The White Horse Summer Tour Diamond Jubilee

by Steven Archer

On 25th August 2012 a lineof people, dressed in variouscostumes,stoodattheX3busstopinFordingbridgeeagerlyawaitingthearrivalofthe9.24toSalisbury.Sporting more bus passes thanis healthy for amorris side, theywerethevanguardofthe“AugustMorris Revival” setting out tocelebrate the 60th anniversary ofthefirstWhiteHorseWestCountrySummerTour.The first stop was Downton fora quick practice outside the RedLion; many of the men had notdancedtogetherforover20years.TheneveryonebackonthebustoSalisburyforawalkingtourofthecity, collecting more men on theway.What a far cry thiswas from theoriginal tours in the early 50’swhen John Burgess, Bill Bush,Roger Pinniger, Harry Ross,Francis Clayton, Ioan Jenkins,Jack Sleeman, Peter Boyce,MartinWestlake,BertCleverandmany others packed their tentsandmorris kit into their cars anddroveofftoTorquayforaweek’scamping and dancing. Here is apictureandpressreportofthefirsttourdated20thAugust1952.

Theydon’twrite reports like thatanymore.

Amemberofthecrowdwasheardtosay“fromthepromenadeIsawthem dancing on the sands.Thenthey came up and danced on theprom. I’d never seen anythinglikeit.Iwonderedwhotheywereandwhat theyweredoing it for.”

Somethingshaven’tchangedin60years.Inthosedaysthemenusedtocampand dance round the area for aweekbutin1954theygraduatedtoindoor camping in KingskerswellVillage Hall. John Burgessrememberstheoccasionwhentheybefriended the chorus girls formPaington’s end of the pier showandtookthembackforapartyatthevillagehall.JackSleeman,anaccomplished amateur magicianshowed the girls a few tricks.Yes thosewere thedaysJohn;fatchanceofshowingachorusgirlafewtricksnow.

JohnalsorecallsdancingLaudnumBunches at the Dartington HallSummer School to music playedbyWinsomeBartlett,oneofCecilSharp’smusicians.Frank Rhodes remembers heand Michael McNamara fromWinchesterMorrisjoinedsomeofthetours.CollectionsfromcoachpartiesweresogoodinWidecombethatthefollowingyearthevillagebobby told them they could notcollectbecauseofobjectionsfromlocaltraderswhowerelosingsales.That’scommunitypolicing.In1973thetoursmovedtoSandyBalls, Martin Westlake’s farmand evolved into “The August

Tour”, held during theBank Holiday week. Itbecame a family affairso as to include theincreasing number ofchildren.Martinledtheway with 6 of his own.Through associationand invitation over theyears, men from othersides were invited untilthereweredancers fromBathampton, BourneRiver, Coventry, CupHill, Exeter, Martletts,RavensbourneandWhite

Horse.Thisincluded6fathersandsons dancing, a children’s sword

team, a broom dance and ladiesclogaswellasthecoreCotswoldrepertoire.

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The White Horse Jubilee continuedThere were daily tours to showofftheincreasingrangeofdancesbut there was always time forcommunalmeals and silly gamesatthefarm;teamlandskiing,eggthrowing, piggy back and three

legged racing and the galleycompetition; some knees neverquiterecovered.By1991thenextgenerationwerelargelygrownupandthestaminaforaweek’stourwasfadingand

sothetoursstopped.Butwiththe60thanniversarylooming John Whelanand I decided to revive itforonemoretime.Andsoitwasthat19dancersandmusiciansfromtheoriginaltour, including the Daveyand Dauncey father andson duos, came for theirfinal stop at Sandy BallsonthatSaturdayafternoon.MartinWestlakejoinedus;we entertained the crowdandoncemoredrewinthelocalchildrenforadance,

thenwefinishedwithBonnyGreenandaphoto in frontof thegypsycaravan.Sadly this was the last timeMartincameout.Hediedon22ndSeptemberwith this photo by hisbed.TrulytheendofanerabutasJohnWippellsaid“theNewForesttour should be kept alive in hismemory”.Steven Archer is the Treasurer of The Morris Ring

All the photos were supplied by Steven Archer and are described or referred to in the article

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Abingdon day of Danceby Tony Legge

Records at St. Helen’s Church,Abingdon,showthataMorrissidewasdancingherein1560.Attheendofthe18thcenturyitisknownthat the Abingdon dancers wenton an annual circuit, which tookthemasfarasRichmondinSurrey.Earlyinthe20thcenturythevisitto Abingdon by dance collectorMary Neal resulted in a visit toLondonbythethenMayorofOckStreet and a musician. The sideappearedinthestreetsofthetownin years prior to the Great War.Along with sides from ChippingCampden, Headington Quarryand Bampton, Abingdon enjoysthe reputation of being a trulytraditional“Cotswold”side.Annually in Abingdon we stillelectourMockMayor,the“Mayorof Ock Street” as the Squire ofAbingdon Traditional MorrisDancers.Formanyyearsmembersof the Hemmings family, first byThomas,heldtheofficethenhissonJames. In 1937 James’ youngestbrother Henry became Mayor,followed by James’ sonTom andthenbyTom’snephew,Raymond.In1964CharlieBrettwaselected,andin1980LeslieArgyllbecameMayor,andwasfollowedbyStuartJackson (another Hemmingsfamily member). The currentMayorisRogerCox,whosegreat,

greatuncle,CharlesCoxhadbeenMayorin1896.On the Saturday closest to the19th June (i.e.the anniversary ofthe ancientAbingdonHorseFair)a voting box is placed outsidethe Brewery Tap public house inOck Street.All persons living inOck Street receive a ballot paperbefore Election Day and areentitledtovote.Thecandidatesforthe election are usually membersof Abingdon Traditional MorrisDancers. At 4pm the votes arecountedunderkeenscrutiny (TheMayor of Abingdon, the TownClerkandtheside’schaplain)andthe result is publicly announced.The new mayor is invested withthe regalia of the office and themorrisdancersperformadanceor

two inhishonour.Thenthe Mayor is chairedand carried downOck Street and back.After tea the dancersperforminturnoutsideanumberofthepublichousesinthetown.The Mayor of OckStreet serves oneyear. If no onewishesto stand against the

serving Mayor then by traditionheisre-elected.Theceremonyanddancing is carried out each yearwhetherornotanelectionisheld.Theday’sdancingisenhancedbythe presence of invited visitingdancegroups.The Mayor’s regalia consists oftheMayor’ssash,sword,cupandtheOckStreetHorns.Itissaidthatin 1700 a farmer named Morris(perhaps theAbingdonbenefactorJohnMorris)presentedablackoxtoroastintheBury(marketplace)for some celebration. The peoplewho assembled took up someformofdancingandanargumentarose as to who should have thehorns.Thisdevelopedintoafightand the residents of Ock Streetchallenged those of the Vineyardfor possession. This being the

west end of the town versus theeast,achalklinewasdrawnatthefoot of theVineyard and anotheroutside the “Cock and Tree” inOck Street. The fight began onthe Bury (or Market Place) andthosewhodroveorbeattheotherover the chalk line were to bethe winners of the horns. Sticks,stones, fiery torches and barefistswereputintothisgrimtusslefor ownership. The Ock Streetmenwere victorious and through

Brian Skyrme (for it is he!) learns the true meaning of Playford

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Abingdon battering their fool, Duncan Brown

Roger Cox, Mayor for another year

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Abingdon day of Dance continued

successive generations the hornshaveremainedinthepossessionofthe Abingdon Traditional MorrisDancers. The mayor’s cup, it issaid, to have been made from aclubusedinthemelee.Theswordis reputed to be an 1805 navalofficer’ssword.The loss of many of the youngmen in the 1914 – 1918 wardepleted the side, and danceswere performed in private until1935 when the side re-emergedand Abingdon Traditional MorrisDancers once again taking itstime-honoured place inAbingdonlife. The establishment in the1950’sofLaboratoriesatHarwelland Culham and the resultantinfrastructure saw Abingdon’spopulation increase from 5000to30000+. In1978 the sidewasawarded the Europa prize forFolk-art by theF.V.S. Foundationof Hamburg in recognition of its

o u t s t a n d i n gcon t r ibu t ionto British andEuropean folkculture.This year’selection dulytook placeon June 16th,Roger Coxwas re-electedMayor ofOck Street for2012/2013 inthe presenceof guest sidesWinsterMorrisDancers andThe ValeIslanders, aPlayfordgroupbased nearAbingdon.Thethree sidesdanced

around the town from10amuntil3.30pmand theballotwasclosedat4pm.Votingresultswere:RogerCox 93 votes, Robert Beaver 53votes, Harry Knight 37 votes,Dave Beaver 17 votes, and soRoger,whohasbeenMayorsince2007, was chaired up and downOckStreet.Dancing resumedandcarriedonuntil8pm,whenthesideand itsguests retired to supper inAbingdon’soldAbbeybuildings.

2013’s election is on June 22nd.

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Marching behind the Ock Street Horns (carried by ex Mayor of Ock Street Stuart Jackson)The Winster King and Queen

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Winchester Morris Men Walking Tour of Winchesterby Colin Andrews

I’d never really visitedWinchesterbefore.ExeterMorris Men regularlyreceivedaninvitetothedayofdance,andhadacceptedontheoddoccasioninthepast, but I’d always been‘doing other things’. Noexcusesthistime.The meeting, on firstSaturday in September 2012, ata time of 10.30 amwas sensible,inthatwedidn’thavetogetupatsomeungodlyhourforthejourney,

andinfactwearrivedwithtimetospareforacoffee.As a veteran of many days andweekends of dance, I wasn’texpecting much in the wayof deviations from a standardformat,butthereweretobeafewsurprises in store which reallymade the occasion memorableand enjoyable. Firstly, insteadof hordes of morrismen fromumpteensidestherewerejustthree– ourselves, our hosts, and LongManfromSussex,whomweknewfrompreviousevents.Secondly, the day started notwith dancing but with a guidedvisit to the Royal GreenjacketsMilitary Museum. This wassomething which I would havebeen very unlikely to have done

onmyown initiative,but I foundit very fascinating. So much so,thatinspendingtimestudyingtheexhibitsIwasfrequentlyscurryingto catch upwith ourwhistle-stop

guide, and unfortunatelyonlycaughtfragmentsofhiswell-informedcommentary.TheWinchesterMorrisMenhad organised a numberof good dancing spots;outside the museum, on asquareclosetothecathedral(where some of the NorthKorean Paralympic Teamwere sightseeing), downby the river, and by across in themainshopping

street. Another unusual featurewas a display for the residentsoftwoshelteredhomesinhistoricalmshouses.With the day scheduled, as Ithought,withafeastintheevening,

Iwasanticipatingastandardploughman’s for lunch,so the generous and tastyroast was also unexpected.And the evening mealwasn’t a feast as such butan informal gathering in ahall with an excellent twocoursebuffet. Itwasapitythat LongMan missed outon this, setting off homeas soonas thedancinghad

finished. With depleted numbersa pre-suppersessioninarealalepubneverquitegotgoing.Despitesomeexcellentsingingandmusicfrom the Winchester Men afterthe meal, our long journey backto Exeter also meant that wewere only able to make a tokencontributiontoaneveningofsonganddance. I suspect also that theWinchesterMenhadtodrinkmostof the barrel of ale themselves –but that’s oneof the hardships oforganisingadayofdance!I’d like to offer my thanks toWinchesterMorrisMenforsettingup an inspiring and thoroughlyenjoyabledayofdance.Theyevenarrangedgoodweather.

Colin Andrews is a member of the Exeter Morris Men. Coiln is also Editor of the Morris Federation Newsletter

Top, Exeter Morris Men in the Square left, Long Man at the Alms Houses and above, Winchester Morris Men in The Buttercross, all in the City of Winchester

Photos: Harry Stevenson

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Eulogy from The Morris Ring Ivor Allsop, 1st August 1930 – 2nd November 2012

DeliveredatGrenosideCrematorium,Monday19thNovember2012

Ivor Allsop was Squire of theMorris Ring from 1978 – 80, aposthedescribedasa‘BenevolentDictatorship’. As a componentpart of any organisation orgroup activity, particularly atmanagement level, one canapproach such involvement fromtwodirections.WhatcanIgetoutof it, orwhat can I put back intoit? It was the latter, benevolentapproach that Ivor favoured andbefore,duringandafterhisterminOfficehededicatedmuchofhislifetocollectingandcollatingarchivalmaterialfortheMorrisRing.Theworkhedidwasoutstanding.Ivor was down-to-earth,unassuming and unpretentious.Hewas a little shy in front of anaudience,buthealsofoughtshyoftoomuchpompwhenhesawthatin others. His approachwas oneof lower public profile but moreone-to-one contact. Thus quietlyand behind the scenes he was asourceofgreatencouragementandsupport to somany in theMorrisandfolkworldingeneral.As a popular Squire, Ivor wasinevitably invited to many afeast during and after his Office.Vegetarianismwasnotascommonin those days and it was oftenthe case that the plate of slicedmeat and veg placed before himhad to be whisked away, themeat removed and an emergencysubstitutefound.Alltoooftenthiswasjustcheese.Thelightestsnacksoservedwassimplypotatoeswitha lump of cheese. Themeal hadhoweverbeenjazzedupasanodtohautecuisine–thepotatohadbeenmashed!

My personal memory of Ivor isviewedsooftenthroughakitchenhatch. Attendees of the jigsinstructionals in Sarrat and othersuch gatherings will rememberhim playing sous-chef to BertCleaver’sGordonRamsey.Ivorwas amember and honorarymember of several Morris sidesover the years, but hismain lovewas of the Longsword Dances,someofwhichheintroducedtotheBarnsleyLongswordSide,thesidehehelpedformin1968.IncidentallyBarnsley joined theMR in 1972,receiving their membership staffat theHuddersfield RingmeetingfromthethenMorrisRingSquire,MrBertCleaver.Anotherlifetimefriendship forged through thefellowshipofMorris.Hisdeepaffectionforfolkcustomand tradition is legendary andhis knowledge thereof, if notencyclopaedic, was certainlyextensive. If he couldn’t answera folk relatedquerydirectly frommemory he was able to consulthis extensivepersonal libraryandusually come up with a result.Author himself, his LongswordDancing publication has becomethe sword equivalent of Bacon’sBlack Book,* as the definitivereference.Another work by Ivor never farfrom my hand over the past twoyearsistheaptlyiflengthilynamedbooklet, ‘Information on Regalia,

Gifts and Doles together withnotes on the Advisory Council,The Morris Ring Logo and theMorris RingArchive’. This is averyreadableandwell-researchedcatalogueoftheparaphernaliaandcustoms attaching to the MorrisRing.Thesepublications,aswithall things Morris, are availablefrom our Morris Ring Shop andof course come with free adviceentitled ‘a shopkeeper’s view ofhowtheworldshouldberun’.TheMorrisOrganisations are nottheonlyfolkartgroupsthatrevereIvor.Hiscontributiontotheworldof folk has been recognised bytheEFDSS by the award of theirgoldbadge.Folkdancingwasanactivity he could enjoy togetherwith his beloved Joyce Marywhose life we celebrated in thisvery place on Maundy Thursdayjust19monthsago. Muchofhistime since thenwithout Joyce byhissidehasbeentoughforhimbuthe endured in his usual low-key,uncomplaining manner with theunfailingsupportofhisson,PhilipandIvor’smanyfriends.The debt of gratitude owed himby theMorris Ring and others isimmense.Ivorwillbeheldingreataffectionbyallwhoknewhimandthe regard and respect he earnedis underlined by the huge turnouttoday;testamenttoagreatman.There is another avuncular,jolly, white bearded gentlemanassociated with the approachingseason. ThisyearI thinkthat theangels & Joyce will be enjoyingamagnificentXmas present fromSanta,albeitalittleearly.

PeterJHalfpenneyPastSquireoftheMorrisRing