Wessex Morris Men are pleased to report that they will be returning to a full programme of activity over the summer months after a two-year hiatus.
They’re ready to resume where they left off – two years older, but still fit and raring to go. During lockdowns, Monday evening was ‘Wessex’ night for many members, and while regular Zoom gatherings didn’t replace the physical practice, they did continue the spirit of aprés-Morris normally reserved for the pub. As restrictions eased, members met in small groups on driveways to practice, and eventually ‘normal practice’ resumed in September 2021.
Their programme sees them return for some regular bookings, such as the Sherborne Country Fair and the Bath and West Show, along with appearances at local folk festivals (in Weymouth, Bridport and South Petherton). The mainstay of their programme is the series of Monday evening dance-outs, during which they take their art around the members’ locales, to entertain the public as a reward for their practice over the winter.
Wessex Morris Men were formed in 1957 as a ‘revival’ side to keep alive the recorded distinctive village traditions, mostly from the Cotswolds, for current and future generations to enjoy. If you would like to join them (to dance, or play the music for dancing), the best time is in the autumn when they start their practice season at Pulham village hall (8pm on Mondays).
The Morris Men’s season begins with their traditional outing to ‘dance in the dawn’ on May Day morning (5.15am, Sunday 1 May) above the Giant at Cerne Abbas, DT2 7LA; then on to the village square for 7am, DT2 7JG. Their regular programme of Monday evening will then commence…
• 2 May 7pm village centre, Poyntington, DT9 4LF; 8.15pm The Mitre Inn, Sandford Orcas, DT9 4RU.
• 9 May 7.30pm The Cross Keys, Sherborne, DT9 3BJ; 8pm The Digby Tap, Sherborne, DT9 3NS; 8.30pm Weavers Club, Sherborne, DT9 3EL.
• 16 May 7.30pm village centre, Mappowder, DT10; 8.15pm St Aldhelms Church, Belchalwell, DT11 0EH; 9pm The Ibberton, Ibberton, DT11 0EN.
• 23 May 7pm Crown and Victoria, Tintinhull, BA22 8PZ; 8.15pm Recreation Club, Chilthorne Domer, BA22 8RD.