Wednesday evening 1st July. And once again St. Michael’s Street in St. Alban’s, held 2 hours of Morris & folk dancing, along the closed road. As well as music in the village pub (Sadly only one, these days)
Local sides in attendance included: St. Alban’s Morris (the host side) Wicket Brood. And of course, Phoenix. There was also Irish dancing with youngsters from a local school of Irish dance. And Tappalachian with their lively step clogging. We even had the Mayor joining in with Shepherds Hey, the audience participation dance.
Lots of pictures taken. Most of which are within this blog. (With thanks to Liese, Phoenix dancer) However there are more pictures and videos on Phoenix Morris’ Facebook page. So do please have a look there too.
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.
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.
Phoenix Morris 