Woodchurch Morris Men 2012
>> 2012 Programme
2012 is set to be a very fulfilling and busy year for the Woodchurch Morris men, both in and out of the village. Our 22nd season sees us going forward stronger than ever before. With a new contingent of dancers and musicians we now number over 20 members ready to perform traditional Cotswold dances to an ever growing and appreciative audience.
The history of Morris dancing goes back a long way, it may even pre-date Christianity. We do know that throughout the middle ages, during the Tudor period and especially after the restoration, it was an essential part of the revels that characterised the happy days of “Merrie England”. Industrialisation and two world wars played a part in keeping our rural folklore traditions at low ebb during those times, but happily the folk revival of the 60’s & 70 ’s brought a new and gathering interest to our unique English folksong and dance.
We invite you to come along and enjoy our lively performances. There’s no charge other than an optional coin in the hat for good health, wealth, happiness and fertility. Each year we donate money to charity, and our donations have now totalled thousands of pounds. Our main events are our Friday night stands, where at our choice of a proper pub i.e. good real ale and a hearty welcome from the landlord, we’ll dance, sing and carouse the night away as Englishmen have done since the Saxons first arrived.
Woodchurch will see their very own morris men dancing in the village on several notable occasions this year. Primarily the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Festivities in June, as part of the whole village collaboration, the Summer Solstice celebrations centred on The Bonny Cravat and The Six Bells, and without doubt at any of the real ale festivals which are now regularly organised at The Six Bells. Whilst at “The Bells” you can take a look at our gallery and from March onwards you can pick up our programme from either pub or the village Post Office.
Lastly, we still need more recruits to come and share this wonderful pastime, so if you enjoy good company, music, singing and dancing we’ll be happy to invite you to join us. We practise our dancing during the winter months on a weekday evening (usually Wednesdays or Thursdays). Our drinking skills need no practice!
For any reason, contact our squire. Mike Headling on 01233 860035, our Scribe Dave Comley on 07900 442440 or email Geoff Smith on gps295@hotmail.com
Wassail.
Woodchurch Morris Men are sponsored by The Six Bells at Woodchurch, The Bell Inn at Ivychurch and The George Inn at Bethersden.