Latest news
Friday 28th May 2010 to Sunday 30th May 2010
The 20th Anniversary Tour of West Sussex
The tour to celebrate 20 years Woodchurch Morris Men began in glorious sunshine at Friday lunchtime, when the side met up in the garden of The Six Bells. The bottled beers, gin and tonics and rum were going down a treat as we made our way towards the village of Heyshott in West Sussex. We arrived at Cobden Club Hall – our home for the weekend – at around 5pm and all of us were very impressed with the facility. After a quick change from our 20th Anniversary shirts to our traditional whites, it was the very short walk to the local pub, The Unicorn Inn. Here, the villagers turned out in force and it was a great place to begin the tour. The side was Geoff, Chris, Richard, Pete, Terry, Keefe, Robin and Dave. Paytone was the musician and Colin the Crier. After the dancing we retired into the lovely pub, and continued the entertainment with plenty of songs well into the evening. Aussie Landlady Jenni and Manager Sally were very kind to supply beer and sandwiches and were very thankful to us for providing the entertainment. We took the short, moonlit walk back to the Hall and agreed that our first stand on this special weekend had been a great success. On Saturday, we not only celebrated 20 years of Woodchurch Morris, but slightly more years of Squire Geoff as it was his birthday. Our first port of call which was breakfast. Bagman Chris drove us and he had a very special surprise waiting for us - as breakfast was at none other than the home of British Polo, Cowdray Park! Back at the hall we met Mike, a Heyshott villager and friend of the Bagman who had very kindly agreed to be our driver and chief photographer for the day. Unfortunately, the weather had not read the script and it rained heavily in the morning which may have dampened the air but certainly not our spirits. Mike first took us to the edge of Heyshott and a big surprise for Chris’ nan, as we danced Banks of the Dee in her front garden. Unperturbed by the bad weather, we then made our way to the Weald and Downland Museum. It was a shame that here we suffered the worst weather of the day with a very heavy and lengthy downpour, but nevertheless some intrepid visitors to the museum braved the elements and we danced for them under the shelter of one of the many historic houses that are on show. During the performance, we were really happy to be joined by Spikey. Our next stop was the beautiful harbour town of Bosham. Our venue, the excellent Anchor Bleu pub is right on the edge of the sea – infact, so close that the pubs car park at the rear may only be used when the tide is out as when the tide is in it virtually comes up to the pubs door. We performed a number of songs to the pleasure of the locals, many of whom were at the pub prior to a wedding at the adjacent church. Right on time, the rain stopped and we went outside to perform a number of dances. The highlight of the Anchor Bleu was when the bride and groom passed through on their way from the church, and we made an impromptu arch with our sticks for them to pass through. At this point, they promptly stopped the procession of vehicles, got out and had their photograph taken with us! It was nice to be some of the first to wish them well, to bring some smiles and enjoyment to the pub locals and to stop the traffic as we danced! After a great time at The Anchor Bleu, Mike drove us to another good pub – The Crown & Anchor which is at Dell Quay, Appledram. The staff were very hospitable and delighted to see us and set us aside our own area, where we sung. With plenty good ale flowing, we then set up a dancing area inside the pub by the bar, where we performed Postman’s Knock (which sounded great on the wooden floor) and Shepherd’s Hay. We got a really rousing reception from everyone in the pub which was wonderful. On the journey back to Heyshott we stopped at The Gribble Inn at Oving. We summoned the strength and enthusiasm to perform a Flowing Bowl under cover in the beautiful rear garden just for the Landlord. Our final stand for the weekend was The White Horse at Graffham. Despite failing light and weather we danced outside the pub a Skirmish and Trunkles for a few hardy souls who came out to watch. It had certainly been an exhausting day but wonderfully organised by Bagman Chris and lots of memories. Typically, the next morning was beautiful sunshine and we stopped off at The Rose & Crown in Burwash on the way home. The 20th Anniversary Tour will live long in the memories of those that went, and Bagman Chris who pulled it all together so efficiently must take a lot of thanks for that. It was a fitting way to celebrate the first 20 years of Woodchurch Morris Men, and now a hard act to follow for the 21st “Key of the Door” year next year!
Friday 21 May 2010
The Bell and Jorrocks at Frittenden
It had been a glorious day weather-wise and the evening was no exception as we danced at the Bell and Jorrocks at Frittenden. This was the first time in a few years that we had visited this lovely pub, and it was nice to see an excellent turnout from the locals as well as friends and family of the side, all of which led to a very enjoyable stand indeed. Dancers were Geoff, Chris, Richard, Mike, Robin, Pete, Terry, Grahame, Keith, Dave, Drakee and Steve. Musicians were Paytone, Colin and Brian. It was good to see a full compliment of available dancers and it was also good to see our new man Steve on one of his debut stands as Stick Man. We began with an eight man Skirmish and then went on to perform Banks of the Dee, Old Twanger, Valentine, Postman’s Knock, Jockey, Upton and Bonny Green with half a dozen lady volunteers joining us for the final dance. The pub were very kind with jugs of beer which continued into the evening as we went inside for a sing and some musical entertainment first from Brian and then from Richard, who gave us a wonderful half hour performance on the guitar with some Skiffle and other numbers in which everyone joined in with gusto. By the time we got to “Bring your Glasses to the Bar/Time Gentlemen Please” it was 11pm but the landlord seemed delighted with our performance and topped up everyone’s beer which was very nice. This is a very much “Morrissed” pub but we hope that we left them with some good memories from the visit of the Woodchurch Morris Men and it was nice to be asked to come back soon.
14th May 2010
The Shepherd and Crook at Burmarsh
It has been many years since we danced at this lovely little village pub, but we all agreed that we would like to return much sooner after another most enjoyable Friday evening excursion to the Romney Marsh. The weather was bright and warm and we were delighted to discover that a good number of people had come to the pub specifically to see us – including a family from Italy, a couple from America and about ten holiday makers from Essex! There on the night were Geoff, Chris, Robin, Pete, Mike, Grahame, Keith, Terry and Dave – Paytone was the musician and Colin the Crier. We were well supported too by wives and family. Unusually, we commenced with a Vandals and then went on to perform Old Woman, Old Twanger, Valentine (including the lovely Vanessa from Italy), - during which the locals were very generous to the collection – Postman’s Knock, Upton and finally a Bonny Green with five local lady volunteers to partner us. It was great to see the pub empty out to come and watch us, and also for everyone then to come back inside to the small bar to join in the sing! A big thank you to Paul and Nicky for the lovely sandwiches which went down very well with the fine beer on offer at the pub. We didn’t have Richard to start the sing so Bagman Chris bravely launched the singing with John Bull and there was no stopping us after that!! Everyone without exception (including the bar staff!) joined in the choruses and we sang many of our ‘singalong’ repertoire. A special thank you to the boys and girl from Essex who were great fun and were still singing even after we had left!. At the end of the evening, Landlady Nicky asked us if we could come back again this year, and Geoff the Squire promised that we would look at the programme and try – either for the dancing or perhaps the Mummers Play. In all, another very good Friday night – well supported, well looked after and some fine ales.
Thursday 13th May 2010
The Bell at Ivychurch – CAMRA Presentation
The side were pleased to attend the presentation of CAMRA Pub of the Year 2010 to The Bell at Ivychurch. We were invited along to help celebrate this excellent achievement by Mark and Vanda and it was a wonderful evening fitting of this pub. The Bell have always supported us and we were delighted to support them on their big night. Geoff, Chris, Richard, Mike, Terry, Keith, Robin, Pete, Colin and Dave attended. We wore our Twentieth Anniversary commemorative shirts for the first time this season. Whilst we didn’t sing or dance, we did sample many of the fine beers on offer and were entertained by guitarist and singer Les. Even Colin, and Terry’s brother-in-law Roy, over from USA, got behind the mic! A lovely evening, and well done The Bell!
8th May 2010
The Bell at Ivychurch
Our first Friday night stand of the new season was at The Bell at Ivychurch. This wonderful pub always gives us a super welcome and this year was no exception, with lots of visitors to the pub coming outside to see us dance and then enjoying the singing session afterwards. It was a slightly chilly but dry evening and the dancing was crisp to match. We began with an 8 man Skirmish followed by Jockey, Valentine, Old Twanger, Shooting and a Bonny Green in which four or five locals joined in. The Bell’s regulars were extremely generous with the collection, as was the pub itself with beer and food for which we are very grateful. Dancers on the night were Geoff, Chris, Richard, both Robins, Mike, Pete and Dave. Musicians were Paytone, Colin, Brian, Lisa and Ali and Colin was The Crier. It was good for us and the pub to have such a big group of family and friends in attendance. After the dancing, it was into the very busy pub for a sing which seemed to go down very well with those inside and we must have sung for a good hour and a half. The beer and ambience was wonderful and lent itself to a very enjoyable evening. Even the Squire said that it was one of the best Friday nights for sometime!! Here’s hoping that the 20th Anniversary season continues in the same vain.
2nd May 2010
Six Bells Beer Festival, Woodchurch
One could almost have placed money on the fact that the second day after the ‘official’ start of summer would see pouring rain all day!! This indeed was the case for the Six Bells Beer Festival. Unperturbed as ever, we set up the stand in the Public Bar and performed some well executed close-knit dances including Constant Billy (shortsticks), Getting Upstairs, Bean Setting, Minstrel Boy, Valentine and Bonny Green. Geoff, Chris, Richard, Robin, Mike, Grahame, Terry and Dave danced, Paytone was the musician, Colin the Crier and Keith and Steve took part in the singing. The weekend beer festival proved very successful with a host of beers to try in the marquee and music and Morris dancing over the four days. Kim looked after us wonderfully with some lovely ale and some plentiful and very delicious lamb stew which was very well received after the performance. We were as always very well supported by family and friends plus a good number of visitors to the pub – one of which took part in the Valentine. After the dancing, we did a small number of songs which were well received too. In all, despite the weather, a wonderful Sunday afternoon and indeed a most enjoyable weekend which hopefully will set the pace for a fabulous 20th anniversary summer.
1st May 2010
The Green, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge
May Day saw the ‘official’ start of the 20th Anniversary season for Woodchurch Morris, so it was perhaps fitting that after the day’s events some of the side commented that it had been the best May Day activity that they had ever enjoyed. The day commenced at 7am on The Green at Woodchurch where a large audience had gathered to see the side off. Helen and Thom kindly provided some delicious mulled cider. Colin the Crier announced the Woodchurch Morris Men and Geoff the Squire then declared the start of this celebratory season well and truly open. Dancing began with Trunckles – the very first dance performed publicly by the Morris Men 20 years ago, and this was followed with Postman’s Knock, Getting Upstairs, Balance the Straw and finally a Bonny Green. Then it was up to The Bonny Cravat for breakfast. The local pub looked after us splendidly and the side and their families enjoyed a wonderful full English breakfast. A big thank you to Julia Dudman who helped this run so smoothly. After the meal, those often unsung heroines – the wives – in this case Linda, Geraldine and Brenda - delivered us to Ashford Railway Station in good time for the train first to Tonbridge, and then to Tunbridge Wells. The side was Geoff, Chris, Richard, Robin, Grahame, Keith, Pete, Mike, Terry and Dave. Paytone was musician and Colin was Crier. It was good to see Grahame dancing again. The first stop was The Grove Pub in Tunbridge Wells. The pub served some very enjoyable ale and we danced Vandals, Banks of the Dee and Flowing Bowl amongst others. The landlord did indeed fill the flowing bowl by donating some jugs of fine beer. At The Grove, we met up with a violinist called John (Stan) who then stayed with us for the rest of the day! After the Grove, it was down to Spa Valley Railway and a most enjoyable journey by Steam Train to Groombridge. We entertained the passengers with some songs and then danced on the platform at Groombridge to the delight of the passengers and staff. We performed Skirmish and Black Joke on a very tight platform space. At The Junction at Groombridge we danced to a smaller audience who enjoyed dances such as Old Twanger and The Minstrel Boy and here we had our lunch before going back on the train where we enjoyed another rousing sing. Back at Tunbridge Wells, the Pantiles was the final port of call and here we gathered by far the largest audience of the day as locals and tourists came to watch. The weather had stayed wonderfully kind to us, despite the threat of rain throughout the day, but perhaps we should have expected the first day of summer to end with a sudden downpour!! This dispersed the audience but nevertheless we soldiered on and a lovely young lady called Tracey, armed with an umbrella, joined us for Valentine. After the train rides back to Ashford and the bus back to Woodchurch, the day came to an end at The Six Bells where the Beer Festival was in full swing. A successful May Day for all, superbly organised by our Bag Man Chris and the Squire, and now it is full steam ahead for the summer season!!
23rd April 2010
St George's Day – The George Bethersden/ The Six Bells
St George's day was a beautiful sunny day and an evening to match. However, due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to fulfil our stand at The George, Bethersden. However, as ready to rise to the challenge as ever, the whole stand – including Oojah Kappivvy Ladies Morris from Hastings and the scheduled band for the evening – The Gower Folk Band whom we met for the first time – upped sticks and made their way back to our lovely village and to The Six Bells where the regulars and staff received an impromptu St George’s Day performance!! In difficult light, we performed The Skirmish, Jockey, Old Twanger, Old Woman and Vandals. Oojah were in excellent form as always and entertained with some very well performed dances. It was nice to see our new musician Colin amongst the ranks of musicians, and our new dancer Steve taking part in the evening’s entertainment joining in the singing with gusto. Paytone and Colin were our musicians, Colin our Crier, and dancing were Geoff, Chris, Richard, Robin, Mike, Terry, Keefe, Grahame and Dave. Steve sang after dance. After a massed Bonny Green, it was into the Bells for a sing, as well as entertainment from The Gower Folk Band and the music went on late into the night. The band did extremely well to pack away their instruments and equipment from The George and re-emerge at The Bells, and this year's additional singing practices certainly showed to have paid off with some good performances. The regulars at The George seemed disappointed that we had been unable to celebrate St George’s day with them but we will see them at the beer festival later in the year – and a thank you to the staff both at The George and The Six Bells. Certainly a St George’s Day to remember!
21st March 2010
Spring Equinox at The Bowl at Charing
The weather proved indeed spring-like as six sides celebrated the Spring Equinox at the regular gathering at The Bowl in Charing. Geoff, Chris, Richard, both Robins, Terry, Keith, Pete, Dave and Drakee were all available to dance, whilst new musician Colin played along with Lisa and Brian plus a whole host of other musicians including Bob from Oojah and Brian (2) from Hartley. Before the stand started, we presented a cheque for £375 to the Kent Air Ambulance which we had raised during the 2009 Mummers Plays. We acquitted ourselves very well, commencing with an 8 man Skirmish, followed by a Jockey, Old Twanger, Valentine (with Lisa as our ‘victim) and a Postman’s Knock. It was good to see new musician Colin fitting in so well and it was also good to see so many sides there and a very appreciative audience. After the dancing, the pub was packed for some music and singing, with Woodchurch singing alternatively with the assembled musicians. Notably Pete sung a debut of his ‘Maidstone’ song which went down well. In all, a really good pre-season stand enjoyed by all.
6th March 2010
Invicta Morris Ale, Sevenoaks
The side were delighted to be invited to the Invicta Morris Ale at Sevenoaks. Among the Morris sides at the ale were Invicta Morris (of course!), Hartley Morris and Kits Coty Morris. It was nice to see Robin and Brian in Woodchurch kit. Alongside them, Geoff the Squire, Mike, Terry, Pete, Robin, Richard and Dave attended, with Colin the Crier and PayTone as our musicians. We were very well looked after by Invicta, and it was a most enjoyable evening with a plethora of musicians (eight we believe) and dancing from 8pm until 11pm with a meal break half way through. The side particularly enjoyed Old Twanger and Orange in Bloom. The food and beer were kindly supplied by Invicta Morris and both were delicious!
21st February 2010
The Winter Beer Festival at The Swan at Wittersham
It was an appalling day weather wise with heavy rain, but Woodchurch Morris Men have a history of turning such days to their advantage and the Winter Beer Festival at The Swan at Wittersham was no exception. A hasty re-arrangement of furniture and we had the perfect area to dance indoors, and the side performed Getting Upstairs, Constant Billy, Valentines with the lovely barmaid Rebecca, Banks of the Dee and Bonny Green with music from Paytone, our new man Colin, Lisa and Brian. Colin was the crier and Geoff the Squire, Richard, Reliant Robin, Terry, Keefe, Pete, Robin (2), Mike and Dave danced. After the dancing, the side sang much to the delight of the packed bar. Even the other bar silenced their music/tv to be involved. Ray the landlord looked after us superbly and we were pleased to provide a full two hours of entertainment at one of our favourite stands. It was the best possible start to the 20th anniversary season.
20th February 2010
Twentieth Anniversary Celebration – The World’s Wonder
It was 20 years ago today…..well, not exactly but the side and many assembled guests got together at The World’s Wonder for a wonderful evening of music and dance to celebrate the commencement of the 20th Anniversary season. John at the World’s Wonder had supplied a barrel of beer which was very well received and music was provided by the excellent Madam Molotov with an eclectic repertoire which complimented the evening superbly. Alison Holmes provided a spectacular Twentieth Anniversary cake which went down very well indeed and well over 50 guests enjoyed a brief display of dancing which included Trunckles, Vandals, The Upton and finally the Bonny Green which included founder of Woodchurch Morris Men, Dave Grabbham. The archives of 20 years were placed on display by Richard Fair and many ex-Woodchurch dancers and musicians enjoyed the opportunity to re-live some of the best memories of twenty years of the Woodchurch Morris Men.