A smaller than usual Phoenix team headed over to the Chiltern Open Air Museum on Saturday 13th May. With a few of the side having had to pull out due to injury, we were down to only 7 dancers but still determined to put on a good show!

The event was part of a traditional dance weekend. We were joined by Oaken Leaves folk musicians and a folk dance group teaching traditional dances. The maypole was in place and it was lovely to see the public getting involved.

With only 7 dancers, our repertoire was a little more limited than usual and everyone was dancing almost every dance.

Overall it was a great day in a lovely setting 😀

May Day. Monday 1st May. 2023.

Although Phoenix may not have “Danced up the dawn’ as many other sides traditionally do, we were still dancing out – albeit a little later in the day!
This time we were taking our annual trip up to the village of Pirton, (Nr. Hitchin) Hertfordshire, as guests of our friends Baldock Midnight Morris.

Pirton village has a traditional May Pole on the green, and children from the local schools carry out their display of skipping around the May pole entwining their ribbons back & forth as they go. Tea & cakes were on offer at a house by the Green, as well as a barbecue, and an ice cream van for those in need of a sweeter kind of refreshment. The village pub was of course also open for thirsty dancers…during the breaks of course!

As usual we alternated dances with Baldock Midnight Morris, finishing with a mass “Vandals of Hammerwich” As Phoenix do an extra round in this dance, it meant Baldock finished ahead. Although it course, it is not a race!

Blog post and Baldock photo by Dennis, Phoenix musician

Photos by Jo, Phoenix dancer

Saturday 29th April 2023 & Phoenix were once again performing at Rochester Sweeps Festival. Most came down on the Friday, so we were bright & early for the 10.00am start at the first spot, “The Eagle”

We rotated with other sides of all traditions, breaking for lunch on St. Mary’s Meadow on Castle Hill. After all, it’s calorie consuming work, Morris dancing & these needed replenishing!

Having resumed, dancing continued at various places along the historic high street, until the final spot. Unfortunately at that point, we were just downwind of a nearby barbecue, which resulted in clouds of smoke drifting over the set from time to time. (Either that or Mike’s pipe was on fire!) Nevertheless, we finished in fine style as always.

Later, some of the side went for an evening meal in an Italian restaurant, whilst others went their own way.

The festival also marked another occasion for a certain Phoenix musician, it being exactly one year ago when he first played out in Phoenix Kit. He tells us he hasn’t looked back since!)

Blog post by Dennis, Phoenix musician

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