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21st July 2013

Oakworth Village Morris Men Weekend of Dance

Filed under: morris dancing,photography — Tags: , , , , — photoelf @ 8:16 pm

Every year the Oakworth Village Morris Men hold a weekend of dance to which they invite other morris sides from around the country. There were a variety of styles of morris dancing present including Cotswold, Border, North-West and Longsword. Also present were the 400 Roses, they describe themselves as Tribal Fusion and perform belly dance inspired dances infused with their own unique take on British folk dancing. It was a full weekend of dance. The weekend started for some on the Friday evening with a beer or two to greet those camping.  Saturday was a coach tour around the beautiful countryside, stopping to dance at various village pubs along the way. With ten sides present on the Saturday we had to split into two coaches and take separate routes. Despite coming to the same pub for lunch, due to the staggered lunch times, one tour was dancing while the other was eating and vice-versa so we were not able to see all the other sides dancing. This was only a minor issue though. The weather was good for dancing as it was not too hot and remained dry. The dancing was all to a very high standard and everybody was in a good mood (once certain hangovers had abated that is!). All in all a relaxed and pleasant day.

The weather was again kind to us on the Sunday. This time we had thirteen sides present, which meant three separate tours. Also due to limitations on the numbers on each train we had to set off at different times. The result was again that we did not get to see all the other sides dance which was a pity. We started dancing outside the station in Haworth before boarding our train to Ingrow West where we danced on the platform before returning to Haworth and continuing our tour around the town. We had another day of excellent dancing and entertaining the locals and visitors alike. After a full weekend sides were beginning to flag a little and not many made it as far as the final stand. In fact there were only three musicians to play for the last dance, ‘Bonny Green Garters’, in which as many as are still able all join in, whether they know it or not.

It was a great weekend and I hope to do it all again next year.

21st January 2012

Mark Jones Day of Dance

Filed under: morris dancing,photography — photoelf @ 7:43 pm

Ouse Washes Molly held their annual Day of Dance in memory of Mark Jones on the 21st January 2012. The molly sides gathered at The Cutter Inn on Ely’s riverside beside The River Great Ouse. The sides present were Ouse Washes Molly, Good Easter Molly, Norwich Kitwitches, Gog Magog Molly, Mepal Molly, Old Hunts Molly, Soken Molly Gang, Pig Dyke Molly, Woad Works, Seven Champions and Black Annis. With 11 sides dancing there was plenty to see and marvel at. Molly is one of the most varied forms of dance as each side has their own unique traditions. The next stop was at The Plough in Little Downham. Little Downham is the last known place where molly was danced before it died out although it was later revived. The final venue was The 5 Miles From Anywhere No Hurry Inn which is a lovely spot to while away some time if you are passing, which you won’t be.

4th December 2011

Mill Road Winter Fair 2011

Filed under: morris dancing,photography — photoelf @ 11:12 pm

Mill Road Winter Fair this year was almost mild in comparison with previous years. The sun shone and the streets were crowded with everyone enjoying the day. There was so much going on up and down Mill Road and all made easier by it being closed to traffic. Lots of the shops were taking part in one way or another. Many shops had stalls outside and delicious food was in abundance. Buskers and street entertainers were everywhere to keep the crowd entertained. The photos feature mainly Ely and Littleport Riot taking turns with Coton Morris Men and their terrific Lady Musicians. Gog Magog Molly were performing at other spots and taking turns with Cambridge Morris Men. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. See you there next year?

15th October 2011

Ely Apple Day 2011

Filed under: morris dancing,photography — photoelf @ 10:10 pm

Ely Apple Day was on the 15th October 2011 and it was a gloriously warm day despite the lateness of the year. This was in stark contrast to the previous year when it either rained or just drizzled all day.

As usual Ely and Littleport Riot were part of the entertainment.

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