Squire David Reed writes: Thanks to the men who turned out on Saturday 14 May to appreciative audiences at three venues. We started the day at Kineton Farmer’s Market and our last dance, Brighton Camp was enlivened by the participation of the local copper. We think that this is the first time we’ve danced with the Police. Next we danced at the Butcher’s Arms – our grateful thanks go to landlady Fenella for providing sandwiches to keep us going. As we were down to four dancers at this point, we adapted our dances for the rest of the day but we were able to put on a long show at the Shutford Queen’s Birthday celebrations. Police participation again for Brighton Camp via the involvement of their PCSO. We danced 28 times in the day (18 different dances) and with two different police officers – a great day out!
Squire David Reed writes: ‘A great day with Mr Hemmings Morris and four other guest sides in Abingdon. We fielded three musicians and seven dancers and performed 14 dances including one massed Nutting Girl. We also taught members of Mr Hemmings and Borderline how to do the AVMM version of Beaux of London City’.
A big thank you for a superb turnout – we fielded seventeen dancers and three musicians and in keeping with our tradition, the day started with a short ceremony in the churchyard to pay tribute at the grave of Charlie Coleman (1896-1978) the last survivor of the 1912 Morris side. It was a pleasure to have the ‘beyond Oxfordshire’ men with us – thanks for making the journey chaps. During the course of a seven-and-a-half-hour day, we covered the entire repertoire of 23 dances and performed 53 times. A really splendid effort on a slightly chilly but sunny Spring day.
AVMM are busy keeping the ancient tradition of Morris dancing alive! Here we are on Wednesday 02 March in our practice barn that English Heritage says dates back to 1422. Squire Dave Reed and Bagman John Ekers have put together a comprehensive practice and performance programme for 2016 including festivals, farmer’s markets and the annual Day of Dance. Last night’s rehearsal included Lads a’ Bunchum, Postman’s Knock and Roast Beef of Old England. Great fun!
Photograph and report of AVMM’s taster day on 20 February published in the Banbury Guardian, February 25, 2016
Morris men dancing a good tune
The historic tradition of morris dancing was brought to life in Adderbury on Saturday as members of one of the village teams got together to hold a public open session to attract new members. Adderbury Village Morris Men take part in events across the country, and are known for their distinct top hat and green braces combination. They managed to attract at least one new member ahead of the Day of Dance on April 23, where they, Adderbury Morris Men and the women’s team Sharp and Blunt dance all day at various locations across the village. John Ekers of Adderbury Village Morris Men said: “We’d love to get more people involved, particularly younger ones. We had one person turn up on Saturday who absolutely loved it so we managed to show him five dances in a couple of hours. There is no commitment or costs involved and it is available for all ages.” For more information call John Ekers on 01869 811741
AVMM are hosting a free and open taster session for anyone wanting to learn about Morris dances from the village of Adderbury – and to have a go! The taster session will be on:
Saturday 20 February 2016 at the Adderbury Village Institute from 10am until 12noon.
Some facts about Morris dancing in Adderbury:
Many villages in Oxfordshire during the 19th century had their own Morris side;
Morris dances from Adderbury are performed around the world, including in Australia and the USA;
Streets in Adderbury Fields (off Milton Road) are named after three Morris dancers who died in the First World War;
AVMM were the subject of an acclaimed film documentary entitled ‘Way of the Morris’
AVMM only perform dances collected in the village by Janet Blunt who used to live in Le Hall Place, Manor Road
The annual day of dance attracts visitors from all over the country.
AVMM recruits from Adderbury and surrounding villages and is looking for new members to carry on the tradition – do please join us if you can at the Taster session on 20 February! For further information, please contact John Ekers (01869 811741)
AVMM were pleased to support Sharp and Blunt’s Inaugural Ale on Saturday, 6 February at Kings Sutton Memorial Hall.
Bagman John Ekers writes: We gave a good account of ourselves, dancing: Lads a ‘ Bunchum, beaux of London City, Constant Billy and Flasher before the break and giving a rousing backing to Donald’s McCombie’s wonderful rendition of “They’ll never dance again” after supper. It was a good occasion with sides from Ducklington, Lepton and Armaleggin as well as all three sides from Adderbury.
AVMM’s annual post-Christmas lunch time work out took place on Monday 28 December and we were blessed with fine dancing weather. After an hour-long set, AVMM’s fledgling mini side took to the stage (well the street!) under the watchful eye of Bagman John Ekers. Most of the minis are John’s grandchildren and they’ll be fine dancers before long! We wish all AVMM members and supporters a very happy New Year.
AVMM contributed to the annual Christmas tree festival in St Mary’s church, Adderbury, with a tree decorated in AVMM colours by Chris Holmes and John Ekers. As the church receives many visitors during the festival, Squire Dave Reed and Bagman John Ekers were asked to perform three two-man dances on Saturday 5 December. They were accompanied by AVMM musician Donald McCombie and a group of guest musicians and singers.
The AVMM Christmas dance out at the Bell, Adderbury starts at 12.30pm on Monday 28 December 2015
Dancing the Adderbury tradition as recorded by Janet Blunt
