We had quite a turnout for this event, having remembered how much everyone enjoyed it last year. Held in a Village Hall in Buckland, Oxfordshire, it is a popular evening for several Morris sides. Also in attendance were Abingdon Traditional Morris, Ridgeway Step Clog, Mason’s Apron, Ducklington Morris, Cry Havoc and Downes on Tour.

Vale Islanders go to a tremendous amount of trouble decorating the hall and preparing a massive spread of food from the past.

Each group performed a couple of dances each. There was quite a variety of styles ranging from Vale Islanders’ sedate dancing to Downes on Tour who are made up of experienced dancers from different Morris sides and have an extremely energetic Cotswold style.

After the dancing we enjoyed the huge array of food, followed by each group doing a ‘turn’. We were fortunate that Jon was happy to lead us in the singing of Lord of the Dance with our melodeon players providing an accompaniment. Other groups sang, told stories and one read a very funny poem about female Morris dancers.

There was then another round of dancing, finishing with as many people as could fit in doing a progressive dance led by Vale Islanders. Another excellent evening!

Text : Jackie Breadmore
Photos : Sharon Causebrook



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