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

On Bank Holiday Monday, 28th May Phoenix performed at the Pitstone museum. A new booking for us, we had a nice relaxing day in a very pleasant atmosphere .

We entertained the public in the courtyard outside the cafe where we were well received. After all, what could be better than to be entertained by Morris dancing whilst having lunch & afternoon tea!

Even the sun came out to see us – it must have been the Sun Dance we did!

As well as the dancing, our musicians played a few session tunes which were also very well received.

We managed to get a healthy collection for our charity so all in all a perfect day with lots to see .

Blog post by Sue, Phoenix foreman

Another brilliant weekend at Rickmansworth Festival in the Aquadrome Park. As always Phoenix danced on both days with various side members joining at different times.

The weather was nice all weekend, not too hot or cold – perfect morris weather!

We even had Hertfordshire Fire Service on hand next to us. Just in case the sticks got a bit too hot with all the clashing, perhaps? Or maybe if any of the ladies fancied a fireman’s lift!

This year marks 30 years since the festival stated, and Phoenix have performed at every one. Long may it continue!

Blog post by Dennis, Phoenix musician