On Saturday the 20th of September we danced at the Lake House Care Home and Day Centre in Adderbury. Our group of dancers was nearly out-numbered by a full band of musicians, augmented by a resident of Lake House and her fantastic tambourine playing that helped to keep us in time. A special mention must go to Donald who gave health and safety guidance, and steered us clear of low hanging ceiling lights during stick dances!

No dance out would be complete without an audience participation Shepherds’ Hey, and we were pleased to be joined by Lake House team member Jo, and two of the willing and able residents. We would have invited more of the staff in to participate, however they mysteriously disappeared when we began looking for volunteers …

The afternoon was brilliant fun – especially as our audience responded so positively to our music and dancing. I’d like to single our fantastic young dancer of the day Elijah, who has learnt our dances so quickly. This is what our dancing is about – sharing a tradition through the joy of dance, music and song. Our thanks also to Yana, Elijah’s mum, who had given up the opportunity to dance with Sharp & Blunt at around the same time so that she could enable Elijah to join us.

Our grateful thanks to Jo for inviting us, and the other team members for keeping us well hydrated and looked after – we appreciate the hard work you all do when looking after the residents, and we felt privileged to provide some entertainment for them and the whole team. 

Squire Ryan

Approaching Wigginton, we encountered a heavy shower but this soon cleared, giving way to beautiful September sunshine, as 12 dancers and three musicians assembled next to the Dog Show arena where we were on first!

As the weather continued to hold, lots of people stopped to watch us dance as they enjoyed the fete’s numerous attractions. The grassy surface was a little challenging but we adapted and realised that we truly are an all-terrain Morris team. We were delighted to welcome guest musician Adrian on harmonica (Adrian and his band ‘Main Street’ were playing later) and Isabel returning on violin. Mike was also back to play hurdy-gurdy alongside Donald on melodeon. It was great to have a full-strength group of excellent musicians playing for us again after the summer break.

After warming up the crowds we invited audience members to join in our Shepherds’ Hey jig, with plenty of participants forming two sets of dancers, including our friend Megan from Sharp & Blunt. As ever, we so enjoy sharing our tradition more widely and especially with young dancers.

Richard writes: We should like to thank the Wigginton Village Hall Trustees for the invitation to dance at such a beautifully organised event and above all, we would like to thank our contact, Rachel for excellent communications and for all her support. Rachel said that we helped to create a great atmosphere, which is always what we hope to do. Thank you Rachel, we’ll look forward to the opportunity to support your next event.

Our singing on the introduction to Brighton Camp may have startled the dogs waiting for their event to commence, but it was the perfect conclusion to an afternoon of dance with the changeable September weather being very kind to us indeed!

Squire Ryan

AVMM were delighted to be invited to this well organised event on a warm sunny day in a delightful village that most of us had never previously visited. Morris Dancing does not seem to be a frequent occurrence in these parts and we had numerous conversations and questions about our origins, as well as inquiries about joining the side and potential future bookings at this and adjacent villages.

With 13 dancers and a brace of musicians we kept an enthusiastic crowd well entertained for the whole of our allotted time slot. I was slightly concerned that some of our performers might struggle in the heat of an Indian Summer, but was reassured by the presence in the side of a veterinary surgeon as well as an eminent doctor, a geriatrician, no less. In the event, both horses and dancers came through the afternoon unscathed and the standard of dancing throughout, with two sets for every dance, was remarkably high. Even our youngest dancers proved their worth with Dylan capering as high as anyone in the side and both Alfie and Elijah giving flawless performances in Postman’s Knock, with the latter doing this dance in public for the first time. Ryan marshalled his troops throughout the afternoon in exemplary fashion and we had no less than 26 dancers for the Shepherd’s Hey invitation Jig, without the need for any cajoling of members of the crowd.

As we concluded our slot with Old Woman followed by Brighton Camp, it was time to repair to the bar to rehydrate ourselves and enjoy a chat and the generous refreshments on offer. There I met a bar steward who turned out to be a former pupil, whom I allegedly made captain of my Junior Colts Rugby XV some time in the distant past. Matt demonstrated an impressive knowledge of many of the 14 beers on offer as well as, surprisingly, that niche libation, rhubarb cider. Well AVMM attracts all sorts!

Richard writes: We would like to thank Stratton Audley Parish Council and the organising committee for the invitation to dance. There were lots of volunteers working to make this such a special event, but I would like to single out Leah (our contact) who had worked tirelessly to organise stalls, music and dancing for a June event which had to be cancelled due to severe weather. Then Leah and the team had to start organising all over again for the re-scheduled September event! Thank you, Leah, for your enthusiasm for what we do. We’ll look forward to your next village Festival. We were really pleased to help you support your three chosen charities – Thames Air Ambulance, St John’s Ambulance and St Mary & St Edburga Church, Stratton Audley.

We dance next Saturday at 2pm in Wiggington. Let’s hope for another fine day and another excellent day of fun and high-quality dancing.

John