A warm Saturday morning on 22nd June saw Phoenix at Datchet Green, Berkshire, for a day of dance with other sides, hosted by Datchet Morris.
After starting with a couple of turns from everyone on Datchet Green, it was time to catch the train for a quick journey to Windsor for the day. But not before a couple of quick dances on the platform.
A great day ensued, and we watched the parade of Changing the Guard from Windsor Castle. After lunch, dancing continued in various locations in the town, concluding in Alexandra Gardens with its views of Windsor Castle. Soon it was time to return on the train to Datchet.
The day concluded back on the green with a mass Vandals of Hammerwich, followed “all in” for Bonny Green Garters to finish off a great day. With many thanks to Datchet Morris for organising.
Another May Day weekend mean’s another trip for Phoenix to Rochester Sweeps. As always the town was buzzing and ringing with the sound of Morris bells and clashing sticks.
A strong side in attendance meant Phoenix were able to put on a colourful show with two sides up for a number of dances.
To add to the excitement, three side members were awarded their bells, having mastered a range of dances across a variety of traditions and danced them out.
Congratulations to Ian, Jo and Lily!
As always a fantastic festival and a great day out!
On 27th April 2024, Phoenix said a last farewell to Sue Stimpson, our fabulous foreman for many years. Sue sadly passed away on Easter Day after a long period of illness which had led to her having to give up dancing some months earlier.
Following her funeral earlier in the week, Sue’s family arranged a celebration of her life which she had planned during the last few months of her life; an afternoon of dancing, shared memories and lots of food!
Sue started Morris Dancing in 1978 , first dancing for Lord Pagets female border morris side and later joining Phoenix as a musician in 1985 then as a dancer in 1987 when Phoenix went mixed. It was Sue’s husband Mike who was responsible for her joining The Morris – Sue’s first response had been ” If you think I am going to do that, think again !” but in 1978 she was set up one evening to attend a practice of Lord Pagets and she never looked back.
Sue was a well known face in the folk scene both through Morris and through her work alongside Mike in their Insurance company, providing insurance for canal boats.
Sue was an excellent example of someone who grabs life and makes the most of every moment. She loved to dance – both Morris and Appalacian – and always threw everything into every performance. When she wasn’t dancing she would often be found alongside the musicians with her melodian. Whether in a pub, at a festival, at the Britain’s Got Talent Studios or on the tube home, Sue could always be counted on to get everyone up dancing and laughing.
Sue will be very much missed by Phoenix Morris but we will think of her often as we dance the dances she loved so much.
Phoenix Morris have had a very busy St. George’s weekend.
On Saturday, we were at the Oxford Folk Festival, along with our friends from Whitethorn Morris. As well as many other sides from all over the country. Spots included the Radcliffe Camera (University Library) & Oxford Castle.
It was great to have a lively side up for the event, including some our our newer (younger…) members making their Phoenix debut.
Sunday, saw us back on “Home ground” and at The King’s Arms, Harefield, as part of their St. George’s Day celebrations.
We even found St. George himself, helping out behind the bar. And, unlike last year, it didn’t rain!
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
Phoenix Morris 