Graham Cooper & Dave Goode were both Phoenix dancers, who have sadly passed away in the last couple of years. Here are a few pictures of them remembered at Wimborne Folk Festival in 2023. The festival is on again at the moment, although unfortunately Phoenix were unable to attend this year.

Graham Cooper: Graham worked at Martin Baker aviation before he retired. He volunteered at the Batchworth Canal Centre for many years, and also skippered the Pride of Batchworth Canal boat trips. He started with Phoenix in 1989 along with his wife, Judy. He relished in camping weekends away, and also a very experienced scout leader, and it’s thought he also held the Queen’s Award for Scouting. Graham knew all the dances inside out, and was the only one who understood a hey version in Ring O’ Bells written by Sue (Phoenix Foreman – also sadly no longer with us)

Graham is pictured here at Wimborne F F in 2023. He looks like he’s trying to match the stall he’s standing next to!

Graham at Wimborne in 2016 (photo courtesy of Kate, from Phoenix)

Dave Goode: Dave was a boat builder & carpenter by trade. He was only with Phoenix for little over a year, before his sudden passing in 2024. However he was certainly no stranger to Morris dancing and was involved with it for most of his life. He had danced for numerous sides over the years, including; Northampton Morris Men. Redbornstoke Morris. St. Alban’s Morris Men. Caddington Blues. Woodside Morris, and latterly Phoenix Morris. He and his wife Gill, were also keenly involved in upholding the future of Morris and folk dancing, teaching the younger generation with Young Miscellany.

Dave (right) is pictured here at the Wimborne procession in 2023, with his great friend, Dennis. These are press photos taken by & published (along with other pictures of Phoenix, plus many others) in the online edition of the Bournemouth Echo.