Bagman Donald McCombie writes:

AVMM once again entertained the good folk of Wroxton at their Whitsun Fete. Our set was positioned between a dog show and a magician and so it is appropriate to say that our performance was both cute and magical.

The masses were regaled with an array of our unique dances. A particular highlight was the firing squad at the end of ‘Shooting’ – ending the life of one of our musicians . The bad news is that he was revived by the kiss of a fair damsel in time to play Brighton Camp. Dancing, joy and mirth. What more can you want? Oh yes, nice weather, no rain, a dog show and a magician.

Roll on next year – magic!

AVMM were happy to participate for the first time in the Banbury Friendship Festival (AVMM is also the first Morris side to dance at this festival). The event is an annual celebration of friendship and the cultural diversity that exists in this part of north Oxfordshire. On a very hot afternoon in Banbury market place, nine dancers and two musicians entertained a decent crowd during a 45 minute set which featured a broad selection of our dances.

The level of performance remained high despite the heat – although the call to dance “Black Joke” seemed to be greeted with slightly less enthusiasm by our dancers than is usual! Our last dance and audience participation number, “Brighton Camp” introduced four enthusiastic newcomers to the delights of Cotswold Morris and the close attention of Charlie the Horse. I hope that some, at least, will wish to learn more about AVMM’s unique style and get in touch about attending future practices.

Squire John Ekers

Squire John Ekers writes:

Seven regular dancers, Charlie the horse and two musicians received a warm welcome as we entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd at Kineton Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning 12 May. The weather was perfect for Morris dancing and AVMM danced to a very high standard showcasing the full range of our repertoire in a 45 minute set which included Postman’s Knock, Beaux of London City and Washing Day. Several visitors to the market were introduced to the joys of dancing with AVMM and after a brief period of intensive coaching, joined us in demonstrations of Shepherd’s Hey and a ten man Brighton Camp.

Children from the local Primary school then performed a couple of Maypole dances before we concluded this lovely event with a two man Shepherd’s by Squire John and his grandson Dylan followed by a four man Princess Royal. We received plenty of positive feedback from the crowd with requests for our services at other events and enquiries from potential new members. I am very grateful to both our regular musicians Donald and Malcolm and to Dave R, Dylan, Ryan, Mark, Chris H and David who played and danced superbly. We declined an opportunity to dance the drinking jig (apple juice and cider donated by one of the market stalls) only because time did not permit it. But we sampled the product and very fine it was too. A very good morning’s work!

Donald McCombie, Bagman writes:

On bank holiday Monday 7 May, AVMM were invited to perform at the unique May Day celebrations held in the village of Preston on Stour, Warwickshire – for the first time. The May Queens procession was a highlight, being led by AVMM, followed by the May Queens entourage, the Lost village Morris and the masses of the village.

The village green, like no other, was resplendent with May decorations, including Her Majesties May Throne and enormous Maypole. Cries of ‘all hail the Queen of the May’ greeted her coronation, in front of the magnificent church of St Mary with it’s wonderful  avenue of yew trees. Then AVMM performed an array of dances for an appreciative audience of people from Preston and the surrounding villages. They were later joined by the Lost village Morris for a traditional Princess Royal. Children’s games, tug of war and dancing around the Maypole all followed along with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

It was a privilege to be part of such a joyous and none commercial community event. Truly a little piece of heaven in South Warwickshire.