Despite our usual ‘no dancing in August’ policy,  Phoenix decided to keep dancing throughout the summer this year.

Alongside our weekly practices- relocated to the aquadrome to enjoy the light evenings- we even managed a couple of danceouts!

Here is a quick round up of our July/August adventures…

3rd July marked St Muchael’s evening in St Albans, a lovely couple of hours with some excellent sides.

On 6th/7th July we headed to Northampton shire for the Rose and Castle/ Queens Oak weekend of dance. The weather wasn’t too good but the company and the dancing were great as always!

Saturday 20th July was Rickmamsworth folk day and our annual day of dance. We had a great time, joined by our good friends Wicket Brood and Whitethorn.  The day began with dancing (of course) and ended with boat trips down the canal.

On 30th July, Phoenix made the annual trip to Henley for a night hosted by OBJ Morris. It was a hot one but despite the heat there was some great dancing all round.

On 10th August, a small but determined side headed to the seaside for Broadstairs festival.

A great time was had by all despite the challenge of adapting some of our trickier dances for 4 dancers!

Phoenix Morris also had a wonderful time on Sunday 1st September at Bunkfest where the unexpected change in weather meant that the umbrellas we brought for the forecast downpour came in handy as parasols!

Despite a packed Summer, the fun isn’t over yet as next weekend we will be heading to Swanage for the annual folk festival.

Photos courtesy of various side members.

A warm Saturday morning on 22nd June saw Phoenix at Datchet Green, Berkshire, for a day of dance with other sides, hosted by Datchet Morris.

After starting with a couple of turns from everyone on Datchet Green, it was time to catch the train for a quick journey to Windsor for the day. But not before a couple of quick dances on the platform.

A great day ensued, and we watched the parade of Changing the Guard from Windsor Castle. After lunch, dancing continued in various locations in the town, concluding in Alexandra Gardens with its views of Windsor Castle. Soon it was time to return on the train to Datchet.

The day concluded back on the green with a mass Vandals of Hammerwich, followed “all in” for Bonny Green Garters to finish off a great day. With many thanks to Datchet Morris for organising.

Another May Day weekend mean’s another trip for Phoenix to Rochester Sweeps. As always the town was buzzing and ringing with the sound of Morris bells and clashing sticks.

A strong side in attendance meant Phoenix were able to put on a colourful show with two sides up for a number of dances.

To add to the excitement, three side members were awarded their bells, having  mastered a range of dances across a variety of traditions and danced them out.

Congratulations to Ian, Jo and Lily!

As always a fantastic festival and a great day out!

Photos by Dennis, Phoenix musician

On 27th April 2024, Phoenix said a last farewell to Sue Stimpson, our fabulous foreman for many years. Sue sadly passed away on Easter Day after a long period of illness which had led to her having to give up dancing some months earlier.

Following her funeral earlier in the week, Sue’s family arranged a celebration of her life which she had planned during the last few months of her life; an afternoon of dancing, shared memories and lots of food!

Sue started Morris Dancing in 1978 , first dancing for Lord Pagets female border morris side and later joining Phoenix as a musician in 1985 then as a dancer in 1987 when Phoenix went mixed. It was Sue’s husband Mike who was responsible for her joining The Morris – Sue’s first response had been ” If you think I am going to do that, think again !” but in 1978 she was set up one evening to attend a practice of Lord Pagets and she never looked back.

Sue was a well known face in the folk scene both through Morris and through her work alongside Mike in their Insurance company, providing insurance for canal boats.

Sue was an excellent example of someone who grabs life and makes the most of every moment. She loved to dance – both Morris and Appalacian – and always threw everything into every performance. When she wasn’t dancing she would often be found alongside the musicians with her melodian. Whether in a pub, at a festival, at the Britain’s Got Talent Studios or on the tube home, Sue could always be counted on to get everyone up dancing and laughing.

Sue will be very much missed by Phoenix Morris but we will think of her often as we dance the dances she loved so much.

Phoenix Morris have had a very busy St. George’s weekend.

On Saturday, we were at the Oxford Folk Festival, along with our friends from Whitethorn Morris. As well as many other sides from all over the country. Spots included the Radcliffe Camera (University Library) & Oxford Castle.

It was great to have a lively side up for the event, including some our our newer (younger…) members making their Phoenix debut.

Sunday, saw us back on “Home ground” and at The King’s Arms, Harefield, as part of their St. George’s Day celebrations.

We even found St. George himself, helping out behind the bar. And, unlike last year, it didn’t rain!

Blog by Dennis, Phoenix Musician