Friday 21st April, & we were at ‘The Case Is Altered’ Eastcote, with Whitethorn Morris, & Merrydowners Morris, as part of a weekend in celebration of St. George’s Day.

A good evening with an eclectic mix of Morris styles. Phoenix offering dances from their (mostly) Cotswold repertoire, Whitethorn with their North West clog tradition & Merrydowners, who, like Phoenix are also Cotswold, but with a different range of dances.

The evening seemed to pass very quickly, and of course a good time had by all.

Sunday 23rd April on St. George’s Day itself, we were at the King’s Arms, Harefield, an event organised by Sharon, one of our dancers.

Unfortunately although we had the car park reserved for our dance area, the weather took a turn for the worse. However, Phoenix’s spirit was not dampened, and we did two spots inside the pub, albeit a bit of a squeeze, as the pub was packed. But at least we had a captive audience!

As an added surprise, the pub kindly rewarded us with a drink on the house and – most importantly – a £100 donation towards our annual charity collection. Thankyou!

Thanks again to Sharon for organising. (Better weather though next time, please!”)

Blog post by Dennis, Phoenix musician

On Wednesday 26th April 2023, Phoenix Morris danced out at the Cart & Horses, Commonwood, Nr. Sarratt.

Although it was quite a chilly evening, everyone enjoyed themselves as always. We even had two “Morris minors” join the dance. And very good they were too.

Later we went inside the pub, where we were very kindly given plates of sausages & chips by the establishment. We also sang “Happy Birthday” to Mike, our Squire, as he was presented with a cake.

I’m sure we will return another time, when perhaps it might be a bit warmer weather!

Blog entry by Dennis, Phoenix musician

Aldbury Morris Ale

A great evening was had by some of Phoenix on Friday 3rd March at an ale hosted by Aldbury Morris.

A long list of dances was proposed, many of which were familiar to Phoenix. A lot were not, but that didn’t deter Phoenix; up they got to dance, being helped by members of other sides.

A fantastic meal of hot tasty fish n chips (plus veggie option) barrels of beer and a very friendly welcome from all made the evening a great success.

Thanks to Aldbury Morris for hosting.

Quiz Night

On the 4th March 2023 a Group of Phoenix Morris decided to support the local 3 Rivers Charity Quiz at Watersmeet Rickmansworth. The charity being Pets as Therapy.

A well organized evening. We didn’t win the quiz but as always with Phoenix we had a fun time and all was not lost as Jo won first prize in the raffle : The Harry Potter Experience for 4.

A great start to a new month!

Blog post by Karen, Phoenix dancer

On a cold and Wintry November Evening… the 25th to be precise… Phoenix took to the streets of Rickmansworth for the annual Winter evening.

As always, it was a fun-filled night of dancing and music as the Phoenix lights twinkled on everyone’s hats…

…and in our hands during our now traditional light saber dance.

The Eagle-eyed amongst you may also have noticed the debut of our newly renovated Phoenix, back after a little sabbatical in the workshop and looking rather splendid! Incase you didn’t spot it, here she is in all her glory!

Earlier in September, Phoenix made their annual trip down to Swanage Folk Festival.

Despite the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth a few days before, the festival still went ahead but featuring a very moving 2 minute silence at the start of the procession on Saturday.

We had a number of spots all over town across both days dancing alongside some fabulous other sides.

The procession on Saturday was a real highlight, taking a different route than in previous years but with a great crowd along the way. Even our youngest recruit – aged 3 1/2 – joined in carried on mum’s shoulders!

Of course another highlight is always the final dance which takes place in the sea. As always it was a lot of fun and a great way to end the weekend.