As AVMM seem to be called upon to perform at an increasing number of village fetes about this time of year, I got to thinking how all these peculiarly English festivals seem to have certain factors in common: sunshine perhaps, ice creams and marquees and gazebos abound. However, all fetes are of differing sizes and reflect the local communities whose hard work make such events happen. This was the first time our side had danced at Finmere. We found ourselves in a pleasant green space with views of the local church, for which funds were being raised. There were the usual tombolas and stalls selling flowers and vegetables, local crafts and second hand books. At the extremities one could see tractors, ancient and modern, some beautiful classic and vintage cars and there were pony rides for small children.

Musicians Donald and Malcolm led our six dancers into the main arena at the prescribed time. AVMM waited in the warm sunshine while a pair of girls finished singing a selection of songs from Disney films of the early part of the century and then the announcer did what announcers do and we were on. As usual we performed a selection of our dances expertly chosen by Squire Ryan appropriate to the age and experience of the team and the dancing surface. I think horse racing fans would have described the ground as “good to hard”. After our inevitable audience participation dance was judged a success: Lots of smiling faces, no injuries, over 20 participants of all ages from grandparents to toddlers and only one crying infant, soon appeased with an ice lolly, we concluded our set with a finale consisting of Bluebells, Washing Day and Brighton Camp before yielding the arena to The Dog Show and later a Circus Skills Workshop. At this point some of us decided that dancing was rather thirsty work and took advantage of the beer tent. Rebellion Brewery IPA and Saxby cider, rather than gassy lager, were the preferred choices of our discerning drinkers. Others opted for the café or the burger bar. Each to their own.

Tomorrow we have another fete at Preston-on-Stour. 

John

The May Bank Holiday Weekend is always a fun time in The Morris World.

We commenced the festivities with a May Wedding at the Warwickshire, Church Farm  Brewery. A wedding in a brewery !….what could possibly go wrong?

Well we didn’t perform our most popular dance.. the drinking jig. Thankfully we were trying to set a good example for the newly weds so we concentrated on the dancing and left the excessive drinking to the guests. Those guests were clearly enjoying the local produce and joined us for, not one but two, mass Shepherd’s Heys. Great fun was had by all.

We played an hour long set of our greatest hits, featuring ‘Haste to the Wedding’ of course and culminating in our grand farewell dance ‘Brighton Camp.’

This time however ‘ the girl I left behind me’ was the bride ‘riding’ a Morris horse to everyone’s delight.

She said.. ‘it made her day’.

‘What about the wedding’ I said ?

Oh yes she replied ‘how could I forget that.’

Congratulations to bride and groom..cheers 🍺

and don’t forget to Morris On.

Donald