The day began in Stow on the Wold where we met up with a host of other Morris sides, some of whom we had previously met and others we had not, to dance beside the memorial. In addition to Morris dancers there was a large crowd of spectators bemused by the colourful display.

There were three traditional Cotswold sides dressed in white, Ducklington (purple and yellow ribbons), Kingston (yellow and green baldrics) and Rockhopper (black and orange ribbons and penguin badges).

Also, there were three border sides: Wychwood with blackened faces, wearing colourful autumnal coloured rag coats and floral hats,

Aelgythe also had blackened faces and wore black and white rag coats and Shinfield Shambles, a group of four ladies, each in a different coloured rag coat.

Lastly, there was Appleyard Morris dancing mainly North West style dances who wore green skirts and striped waistcoats..

 

 

Broadwell

From Stow, we moved on to a succession of different pubs covering a large area of the Cotswolds. The first being The Fox Inn, Broadwell,

 

 

Upper Oddington

 

Our next port of call was at The Horse and Groom, Upper Oddington, where we enjoyed a sandwich lunch

 

 

Bledington

 

Then it was on to The Kings Head, Bledington

 

 

Leafield

 

The Fox Inn at Leafield

 

 

Ramsden

 

At the Royal Oak Inn Ramsden we were joined by another Morris side, Masons Apron,

 

 

Finstock

 

Our penultimate venue for the day was The Plough Inn at Finstock

 

 

Ducklington

 

Finally, we made it to Ducklington where we were greeted by a row of steam engines outside The Strickland Arms, where we managed another few dances.

Altogether it was a brilliant but extremely tiring day. We were glad to get back into the minibus for the journey home.

Text : Jackie Breadmore
Photos : Mickey Allfrey, Robert Allfrey


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