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.

Phoenix encountered a showery day at Eastcote House Gardens, on Saturday 6th June. Fortunately though we managed to pretty much dodge these, to dance 3 sets over the afternoon. There was time for refreshments, a welcome ice cream (or two) and a browse around the numerous side stalls. Oh, and there was also a dragon on the loose, terrorising kids & adults alike!

(All pictures courtesy of Liese Rammi, Phoenix Dancer)

Karen in the middle of a flurry of handkerchiefs.

Phoenix Squire & ‘jigmaster’ Andrew.

Phoenix in full flow.

Phoenix Musicians; Dennis, Judith, & Lily, dancer/musician.

Hankies at 12 noon!

Refreshment is on its way, pronto!

Watch out – there’s a dragon about!

Oh, it’s ok. It’s only Norman (Phoenix-Wood) He’s a double-barrelled dragon, you see! 😂

Go get ’em, Norman!

It’s the two… Ians, of course!

Two very fine Phoenix musicians.

A sticking tussle!

Ian, Jo, Karen & Ro. (That has quite a ring to it)🤔

Ro is showing her enjoyment here. which is what it’s all about. As our logo says “We do it for fun”

Karen also looking happy! 😀

L-R. Steve, Anne, Lily, & Laurence

And sticks up to finish.

Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May was a real scorcher of day. Phoenix danced three sets at Denham Village Fayre. We completed the first set, wearing our waistcoats as usual, but it soon became apparent that shirt sleeves would be the order of the day due to the heat. But as they say “The show must go on” and so did Phoenix!

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Seeking solace in the shade between dance sets..

Ian & Jo cooling off with a quick paddle!

Andrew trying his hand at toilet roll throwing!

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Charlie & Lily keeping their cool.

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Fun & games over. It’s back to dancing. (Minus waistcoats)

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All pictures c/o Phoenix members with thanks.

PART 2. BATCHWORTH BOAT RALLY. SUNDAY 17th MAY.

We were back on home ground at the annual Batchworth Boat Rally in Rickmansworth, on Sunday.

We danced firstly at Batchworth Lock, then going along the towpath, to dance in the Aquadrome park. With of course, a break for lunch. (Morris dancing consumes a lot of energy that needs replenishing) Later we returned back along the towpath to the lock, for our final performance of the day.

(Pictures are again, courtesy of various Phoenix members & their associates)

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Now at the Aquadrome for more dancing.

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The red in our kit, really shows up like this!

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Musicians, Judith & Alan.

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Back at Batchworth Lock.

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Judith & Dennis

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A couple of scenes of the boats along the canal, at the rally.

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PART 1 of 2. WINCHESTER MAYFEST. SATURDAY 16th MAY.

Phoenix had a very busy weekend recently, with events on both days.

Saturday 16th May, we attended Winchester Mayfest, in Hampshire, with many other sides. Dance spots included inside The Great Hall, where the legendary Round Table associated with King Arthur, hangs. Also outside of Winchester Cathedral, and other areas slong High Street.

(Pictures are courtesy of various Phoenix members, & their associates)

Ready to start, in Winchester’s Great Hall. Note the Round Table on the far wall.

Dancing in the Great Hall

In dance on High Street.

Continuing on High Street.

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Dancing outside Winchester Cathedral.

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Some of the side pictured with the Mayor.

As it says on the flag.

“Taking 5” between dances. Debbie (sitting left). Robert (middle) retired dancer & occasional musician. Steve (standing over him) And Judith, musician on the right.

More from High Street. With Andrew, Ro & Lily helping out another side.

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