John writes: Thanks for turning out in such good numbers and for dancing so well today. I thought we performed extremely well and our dancing was much appreciated by the large friendly crowds and both landlords. The weather was kind to us and to new recruit, Freddie Gasson, who showed great promise in both the Shepherd’s Hey Jig (with 20 dancers!) and as sacrificial horse in Beaux of London City. Thanks in particular to our musician Donald and to Ryan for taking on the lion’s share of the calling.
AVMM outside the Red Lion, Adderbury, Boxing Day 2023
As I mentioned, we have been invited by the other two local sides to join them at their Winter Warmer in the Institute on the evening of Saturday 10th February. This is largely a social event with just a few dances from each side and some music. Food will be provided by the Adderbury Morris Men and we bring our own drink. Family and friends are most welcome. There is no charge and we wear full kit. Please keep the date in your diary!
We danced twice on Sunday 10th December for two very different events. Our first engagement was at the St Mary’s Adderbury Christmas Tree Festival – our usual annual performance for the local community. The spirit of Christmas seemed sadly lacking as we shot two of our own horses for fun whilst performing Beaux of London City … but wait, we have our own horse specialist vet Chris so no problem, they were instantly cured. There were lots of dancers for the communal Shepherd’s Hey workshop with much enjoyment and fun for all. Our thanks to St Mary’s for inviting us to dance.
AVMM at the St Mary’s Adderbury Christmas Tree Festival
Next, a drive over to the Sibford Friends Meeting House. The second performance of the day was a contribution to ‘The Story of the Dancer’ to coincide with International Human Rights Day. John writes: we managed a full complement of dancers for both events and danced alongside Sharp & Blunt for some of the dances we both perform. One of these was ‘Constant Billy’. We cross-checked beforehand on the number of figures – apparently the same but somehow, AVMM completed first! No matter it brought some smiles!
Members of Sharp & Blunt dancing during the ‘Story of the Dancer’ performance
It was a pleasure to dance with Sharp and Blunt on this important occasion and at such a venue. The unique ‘Story of the Dancer’ was written by our musician Donald McCombie to remember the dancers who died during WW1. It is a spoken word piece interspersed with dances from both sides. Great joint dancing concluded with a communal morris off Shepherds Hey. Our thanks to Sibford Religious Society of Friends and to Sharp & Blunt.
Our thanks to all who danced yesterday and to all who joined us. We wish you a happy Christmas. AVMM are planning to dance-out in Adderbury on Tuesday 26 December commencing at 12:30pm outside the Coach & Horses. We hope to see you there!
Donald McCombie & John Ekers
Dancing the Adderbury tradition as recorded by Janet Blunt
