The 2nd weekend of September, always sees Swanage folk Festival. And this year again saw Phoenix Morris among the many Morris sides attending.

We started on the Saturday, which was a very hot day indeed. We wondered if we might all melt away before the day was done!

The first spot was on Victoria Avenue, opposite the main events site on Sandpit Field. Here we were joined by our good friends, Whitethorn Morris.
Later we moved down onto Shore Road, which runs the entire length of the seafront. Here we moved up and down to various places with other sides (Whitethorn having left us by now).

By mid afternoon & by this time – really hot, it was time to line up for the procession. Although slightly shorter than last year, it’s still quite exhausting. “Portsmouth” was the dance chosen by Phoenix for this. It culminated at the Mowlem Centre end of Shore Road, with opposite dancers all forming an “arch” at the end, through which all following sides would pass under. They in turn would repeat the process for others, until everyone had passed through.

Sunday was an easier day with not so many dance spots, & not so hot.
However early rain seemed it might put a “dampener” on proceedings at first, but it cleared up & the sun shone once more. Our first spot was due at the church, but by the time we arrived, the other sides had left, and no-one was there. Later we walked round to the Heritage Centre, where we were again joined by Whitethorn & others, for some dance sets. Some further spots by the Mowlem Centre & further along by the beach huts followed.

After that, it was time for the Grand Finale: The annual Swanage Phoenix sea dance. So it was off with the shoes & socks (for the men) & skirts tucked up (for the ladies) & into the sea, where Bluebells of Scotland & Vandals of Hammerwich were danced, and played for, with a brave musician risking life and accordion!

As usual an excellent weekend, and looking forward to next year

Blog by Dennis, Phoenix musician

A very warm Sunday 3rd September, saw Phoenix at Wallingford BunkFest., in Oxfordshire. This is a free-access community festival providing a unique, family-friendly celebration with something for everyone.

From the park and ride via a vintage bus, we started off in the historic Market Place. Here, Phoenix’s Squire, Mike Stimpson was presented with an award from the Open Morris for “Lifetime Services” within the JMO particularly with insurance & generally supporting the OM over many years. Congratulations Mike!

Having completed our spot here, along with Taeppa’s Tump, a NorthWest Ladies Morris side, with whom we have danced with before at Henley & other events. Time for a spot of quick refreshment, before moving along to The Dolphin Pub for our next performance, again sharing the dancing with other sides.

Finally back to the Market Place once again to round things off. And the day was gone before you knew it. Wearily hopping back on the bus back to the P& R, & thence home.

Blog by Dennis, Phoenix musician

Saturday 1st July 2023, & Phoenix were up bright and early, for a 9.30am departure from Towcestrians Rugby Club, on the Queen’s Oak/Rose and Castle Morris tour around Northamptonshire.

Always a highlight of the morrissing year, this entailed three coaches, nine Morris sides & their equipment, on two separate tours. Phoenix were on tour B, with Basingclog, Chelmsford Ladies, and Queen’s Oak.

Our first port of call was All Saints Church in Northampton town centre, with its large open square in front giving more than enough dance area.

Very soon it’s time to depart, and on to the Three Cranes, in Turvey village. After a “flying” visit there, it was lunchtime at Great Dodington Club, with its grand vista over the Nene Valley.

Following that, it was already time to move on to the final stop of the day; The Telegraph at Moulton.

Returning to the Towcestrians club, it was time for tea & medals (or biscuits, anyway).

Later, dinner was served, and this was followed by an excellent ceilidh. Tired and exhausted after a long day, it was time to retire. But nevertheless a great time had by all. Thank you to hosts Queen’s Oak & Rose and Castle. Here’s to next year

Blog by Dennis, Phoenix musician

Phoenix were shocked this week to hear the recent unexpected passing of Dave Goode, a dancer with the side. He was walking out with Honey, his Beagle dog, when, with no warning had a fatal heart attack.

Although Dave had only been with Phoenix for just over a year, he was certainly no stranger to morris dancing. He first started back in the early 1970’s with St. Albans Morris, and had also danced with many other sides over the years.

These include: Northampton, Caddington Blues, Woodside and latterly, Phoenix. There are no doubt many others he had also danced with.

Dave & his wife Gill were also an advocate of Young Miscellany introducing young dancers to variety of English dance styles.

Dave was always full of stories and anecdotes from his morrissing days. He was great company and Phoenix will fondly remember the time he spent with us.

RIP Dave. You were a true legend.

Blog by Dennis, Phoenix musician and good friend of Dave’s.

After some last minute camping site hitches, Phoenix spent a good weekend again, at Wimborne Folk Festival.

On Saturday, we danced at various spots in the High Street, with its colourful stalls selling all manner of things. Also we danced opposite the Minster at what’s known as “The Green” In most dance spots, we were joined by Merrydowners Morris, who’s musician also plays for Phoenix occasionally.

Sunday started off with a fair bit of rain, but it didn’t dampen Phoenix’s enthusiasm. And it brightened up later, to be quite a humid day.

As always Phoenix put on a colourful show. Our youngest member, Andrew even performed a solo jig to give us the rest of the side a rest!

As ever photographers abound, and a number of Phoenix members appeared in the online edition of the Bournemouth Echo. With one picture also being published in the actual paper.

Blog post by Dennis, Phoenix musician

By Dennis, Mike, Debbie and Karen