Phoenix had another very warm weekend away, recently. We attended the annual weekend of dance in Northamptonshire, hosted by Rose & Castle Morris & Queen’s Oak, with many other guests sides. The Towcestrians Sports Club near Towcester was once again the base for the weekend. (26th – 28th June)

Friday 26th June was the beginning, where in the evening everyone gathered at the club for an informal get-together & dinner.

Saturday morning after an early breakfast, it was time to board our coaches for departure on a day of dance in the surrounding villages. Two coaches were needed to ferry 100+ Morris dancers/musicians and associated equipment.

The first stop for the day was Braunston Marina, where the ‘Braunston Historic Narrow Boat Rally’ was taking place. Lots of side stalls, a brass band, and of course the Narrow Boats themselves. After each side took their turn to do a few dances each, it was soon time to move on to the next spot of the tour.

A short coach drive saw us at Hartwell village, where it was by then lunchtime at the Rose & Crown (appropriately enough) Two seatings were needed to accommodate everyone. Time after, to relax in the sunny beer garden for a while, before it was once again time to depart.

The final stop of the day was at the Queen Eleanor in Wooton, a large, family orientated “Gastro’ type pub, with plenty of room to dance in the carpark. Soon yet again, it was time to depart and return to the Towcestrians Club for tea & medals. (Well, biscuits anyway!)

In the evening after time to freshen up, there was a ceilidh with the Oakstone Trio. As it was a very warm evening it was initially outside, with lots of room on the patio to dance. But a couple of sharp showers sent everyone scrambling back indoors again. However these quickly passed over, and people went back outside again.

Sunday was slightly more relaxed, and after a later breakfast and packing up camping equipment, it was on (under one’s own “steam”) to nearby Stoke Bruene, to dance next to the Grand Union Canal. Again, each side took their turn for a couple of dances each. Unfortunately Phoenix were a little depleted here, but nevertheless still put up a couple of dances “Balance The Straw” at which point, the by then remaining musician, suddenly had several joining him from other sides. All very welcome indeed. Our second dance was “Lincolnshire Poacher” Time certainly seems to fly at these events and all too soon, it was over for another year. Many thanks to Rose & Castle and Queen’s Oak, for all their efforts in making this another excellent weekend.

The following pictures are from each location in turn.

The weekend itinerary.

Who goes where. Phoenix on Coach 1.

All aboard please!

First stop. Braunston Marina for the ‘Historic Narrow Boat Rally:

Next up. The Rose & Crown, Hartwell, for lunch. Phoenix didn’t actually dance here. But it was nice to have a break after lunch, in the sunny beer garden.

Everyone refreshed, and on to the final stop of the day; The Queen Eleanor, in Wooton. With lots of room for dancing in the large carpark

Saturday evening ceilidh at the Towcestrians Sports Club. Provided by the Oakstone Trio.

Sunday, and it’s on to the the canal at Stoke Bruene for more dancing and merriment.

The Phoenix few!

No, it’s not a new or renamed place. It’s actually the National Morris Weekend, (19th – 21st June) to which the town plays host to every year. Phoenix were once again participating in this, along with many other sides of all traditions, and is one the largest Morris gatherings within the UK. This year around 22 sides were gathered together for the event. It was another very warm weekend.

Things started off in the Marquee next to the Evesham Rowing Club on Friday evening with a ceilidh with “Banter” a well-known & respected band.

On Saturday (20th June) all sides mustered to their designated points next to the campsite, for separate coach tours around the nearby towns & villages.

Phoenix were on tour 8 (there was 9 in total) The first stop was Droitwich, were we danced near a large supermarket. Taking our turn with the other sides on our tour (see the list in the pictures) Next stop was the village of Feckenham where it was time for lunch at very nice pub. After lunch, it was a short stroll over the road, to dance at Feckenham village fete. A VERY short procession (about a hundred years or so) took us into to this, where we again took turns with the other sides on our designated tour. After dancing, there was time for a stroll around the fete. Live music with a very good rock & roll band, & various other side stalls (including a welcome ice cream). Soon it was time to reboard the coach for the return to Evesham.

Once back, all sides gathered in Abbey Gardens for a final performance from each side, to finish an excellent day.

Saturday evening, again at the Rowing Club marquee, entertainment was provided by “Club Debris” with their own style of music & dance.

Sunday was a more relaxed day, with a later start. After a service at the church, all sides gathered near the bandstand in Abbey Gardens in readiness for the procession up to the town & high street to “The Square” Here, each side danced a quick figure in turn on arrival into the “arena” whilst being announced by the MC. It was then a case of waiting for your turn to perform a show dance for the audience, to round off the final proceedings of the weekend.

Phoenix must also extend a huge thank you to Sam, from Uttoxeter Heart Of Oak Morris for joining us along with his Stewarding duties. He not only helped out when we were two dancers down on Saturday due to a tenting accident (luckily not too serious) He also came back again on Sunday to assist even further. On top of that, also helping out the otherwise sole Phoenix musician. Once again, thank you Sam.

All fun & games over for this year, and it’s time to pack up & go home. A lovely time was had by everyone Here’s to next year!

(All pictures following, are via Phoenix Members or their family. Also with thanks to any uncredited sources)

Saturday’s coach tour list. Phoenix were on on tour No. 8

In Droitwich. 1st spot in the alleyway near the supermarket.

Now at Feckenham Fete

Just starting out on the procession.

The Sunday survivors after some had to dash away earlier.

And as mentioned. A big thank you, to our guest dancer/musician, Sam.

With extra content now in, here is “Farmyard Morris” part 2. Phoenix with New Moon Morris @ Pitstone Farm Museum. 14/06/2026

(Pictures this time, via Jo & Ian Walker)

Jo, Maggie & Debbie. A formidable trio of ladies!

Phoenix taking a few minutes, watching New Moon in action.

Mike keeping an eye on things.

Sunday 14th June. Phoenix shared an afternoon of dance with New Moon Morris, at Pitstone Green Farm Museum.

All pictures courtesy of Mike Stimpson, Phoenix Morris.

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.