In researching the history of the side for this news item, I hadn’t imagined that it could be traced back to a conversation in Walsall between two of the founding members, but this is just the beginning of a rich history that our side is celebrating this year. 

In 1973 and 1974, Charlie Coleman was approached by residents of the village who wanted to learn about Morris dancing, as he was the last surviving member of a revival side formed in the early 20th Century. I can’t really imagine what that interaction must have been like for Charlie, being asked about dancing which he hadn’t done himself for almost 60 years… nor can I imagine what his reaction would be if he’d known that it would not only survive into the 21st Century, but thrive!

The Adderbury Village Morris Men were formed in October 1975 by four boys who had grown up together in the village of Adderbury and attended the village school: Bryan Sheppard, Philip Taylor, Bill and Jim Plester. They took the dances from the manuscripts of Janet Blunt; Lady of the Manor and collector of the local Morris dances and folk songs. In the first group of aforementioned dancers, and pivotal to the modern Morris revival in Adderbury, was our Fool Emeritus and former Squire, Bryan Sheppard. A conversation with the Moulton Morris Men had intrigued Bryan and encouraged him to research the Morris dancing tradition in his own village and this led to the formation of the Adderbury Village Morris Men. Bryan continued to lead the side, and eventually became ‘the Fool’, dressing up in fantastic costumes, wielding a pig’s bladder, and providing entertainment for all. His passion for the Adderbury tradition and the wider Morris dancing movement lives on and we hope that his work will be appreciated by future generations too. 

The Adderbury Village Morris Men have had many remarkable experiences during the last 50 years, ranging from tours of France and Belgium in the 1980s, recording an album, and even performing on the main stage at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention. Additionally, there is a feature length film about our side entitled: ‘Way of the Morris’, created by one of our members, Tim Plester. The story it tells is of Tim’s personal journey of discovery as he unearthed the history of Morris dancing in the village. This is a ‘must watch’ for anyone interested in Morris dancing. 

Since 1975, the Day of Dance has been an annual event, bringing together all three sides in the village for music, dancing and fun. On Saturday the 26th April, we’ll be dancing throughout the day in many parts of the village, and we look forward to everyone coming together and enjoying the day. 

Reflections on the 50 years of Adderbury Morris dancing by Ryan Jamniuk, Squire and Jim Plester, founder member of the 1975 revival side.

On a misty, cold and wet night, the only solution to the weather-based blues was a Winter Warmer for all three Morris dancing sides in the village. Sharp & Blunt and the Adderbury Morris Men joined us in the Institute for an evening of Morris and Ceilidh, music and song, food, drink and good company.

Each side danced in turn and when we have the opportunity to watch each other, the heritage of our rich dance tradition is so impressive! Ryan writes: After a few dances, we realised that we didn’t need the heating on high and luckily, we managed to contact a member of the hall team who made an adjustment for us. I write this as a personal reminder note: you don’t need the heating on ‘high’ in a room with 70 + people dancing! The Morris dancing part of the evening concluded with all three sides participating in Brighton Camp and as depicted, a mass Shepherds’ Hey.

After the Morris dancing, the kitchen team served up a buffet of delights with options including lasagne, chilli, Bolognese, Spanish omelette, nut roast and a wide range of cakes to follow. Thanks to all the providers of our feast, particularly to all the Jordan family members, Ana, Kim, Sue, Jacky, Rachel and Richard and to everyone who helped by either providing food, or serving it on the night itself. An honourable mention goes to Dylan and David who were unable to make it, but provided food and to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and got on with the practicalities of shifting tables, chairs and litter collecting. The tidying up at the end of the evening was quick and extremely efficient. We are so thankful that our team extends beyond our dancers and musicians, and this is a perfect example of how coming together as a community really made something special. Thanks also to the team at the Institute for the use of the hall – a perfect gathering place for the event.

After the meal, more music and dancing followed and we should like to thank Donald for masterminding the latter part of the evening. It was a nice mixture of music, song and social dance, with contributions from members and friends of all three sides. Particular thanks to Mike for providing his PA system, to Pete North for teaching and calling the dances and to our splendid 11 piece ceilidh band. A lovely example of the harmony and cooperation that now exists between the Adderbury sides.

Thanks to all who came along and who helped to make the Winter Warmer event such a great success. We had nothing but compliments from the other sides, who were as pleased as we were to share in the delights of dancing, song, food and good company. Sharp & Blunt wrote: Thank you so much to Adderbury Village Morris Men for hosting last night’s Winter Warmer. We had a great time dancing with you and the Adderbury Morris Men. Sharp & Blunt also posted some lovely photos on their Facebook page which we will share via the AVMM Facebook page. John writes: On behalf of our entire team, I’d like to thank our splendid Squire, Ryan, who masterminded the whole event and kept order with his clear and well timed announcements throughout the evening.

Evenings where all three sides come together are truly incredible, and it was a fantastic start to a year of anniversary celebrations for all three sides. We are looking forward to the Day of Dance (on the 26th of April), when all three sides are together again.

Ryan and John

Christmas always seems to come round so quickly, and by extension so does our Boxing Day dance out! Foggy conditions didn’t deter us as our dancers were perfectly visible to the many onlookers in the village, who were enjoying themselves despite the damp conditions. With a cohort of 13 dancers and two musicians we were soon entertaining with Sweet Jenny Jones, Old Woman Tossed up in a Blanket, the Beaux of London City and many more outside both the Coach & Horses and the Bell.

As we had such a positive audience, we invited them to join us in a Shepherds’ Hey jig that may have caused minor traffic disruption, but was greatly enjoyed by all the participants. (For any health and safety personnel reading I told them to look both ways before doing a foot down towards the road!). Among the onlookers, David and John spotted the great niece of Harry Wallin and also, Harry’s nephew – John danced the Shepherds’ Hey with him. Harry was a member of the side back in the 1900s and later killed in the First World War. Harry is memorialised at the cemetery in Arras, France. It was lovely to speak to someone who relates to Morris Dancing within the village, and show them how far dancing has come. 

Over the past year I do hope we’ve done our predecessors justice,  continuing the tradition with a strong group of dancers that have helped us put on many fun-filled events. Going into our 50th year since the revival, is an exciting prospect with many events to look forward.

Thank you to everyone who took part including our musicians Jim and Malcolm who played brilliantly during the colder weather. Our dancers also did a fantastic job despite having not danced for a few weeks – it was so encouraging to see so many young dancers out with us . We also appreciated the crowds outside the Coach & Horses, and the Bell who gave us a positive reception and as always, we would like to thank the respective landlords and staff. Finally, our grateful thanks to Hannah for fantastic action photos – see more of these on our Facebook page. We wish everyone a fun and safe festive season, and a happy New Year.

Ryan & John

Uploaded by Richard, currently in Oban, Stewart Island, New Zealand which is 11, 839 miles away from Adderbury!

Every Morris side is comprised of much more than sets of dancers and musicians: Every Morris side has an audience; an array of family members, friends, photographers, folk music fans, passing members of the public, all following their performance and occasionally, dogs too. Over the past eleven years, AVMM have sometimes been joined by a small black pug dog call Riley. His cuteness has often drawn attention away from the clashing sticks, the jingling bells and the array of Janet Blunt collected dances. In his own quiet way, Riley has been a supporter, a pet and a mascot. He accompanied us on tours of Somerset, Norfolk and France and Belgium for the centenary events related to the end of WW1, as we paid our respects to the fallen. Riley passed away on 27 November, RIP gentle boy Riley a Morris pug dog.