With Towersey at the Plough, Long Wittenham

Out annual meetup with our old friends from Towersey Morris. The corresponding fixture last years was held on a lovely summer’s evening, where we dance happily on the lawn. THis year, however, was a bit on the overcast and soggy side, so we decided that the patio might be a better bet.

Towersey got underway in fine style.

Towersey demonstrate their synchronised hankie prowess.

In return we tried an eight-handed dance and, well, it was a bit of a tight fit.

Havoc finding it bit of a squash.

Sticks featured too.

Towersey get the long sticks out.

Havoc show that we can do things with long sticks too.

Luckily the rain held off; no interrupted dancing. Afterwards we headed indoors for some tunes and songs.

The swing frames a deflated bouncy castle and Emma’s Austin Allegro.

A barbie, English-style

To properly celebrate Jenny & Barney’s visit (see previous posts), our Squire hosted an English barbie. The experience is much like the more famous Australian version, but colder.

Warming up around the fire.

As well as the usual sausages and burgers, veggie kebabs and asparagus were on offer. And PUDDING!

Conversation flows as we thaw.

There was a little singing, too, to accompany the never-ending search for firewood.

What’s Barney seen?

May Morning

Oxford takes its May Morning tradition seriously. And Havoc is no exception. For the last few years, the Friends of the Botanic Garden have kindly invited us to their early May Morning gathering. A lovely location, even if it means we start dancing at 05:15.

Starting Constant Billy

At that time in the morning, some brisk exercise is necessary to keep out the cold.

Warming up

It’s all very well if you’re dancing. Our poor musicians have to wrap up warm.

Musicians feeling the temperature

Now let’s get the long handles out.

And some precision long stick work

When it’s fully light, we can appreciate the Botanic Gardens. Just over the road from Magdalen Tower, it’s a prime position to watch the choir sing at 6am.

It’s light!

After listening to the Magdalen choir, we wandered down to the Said Business School and provided a little diversion for the early commuters. From there, it was on to our home pub, the Seacourt Bridge, to round off the morning.

At the Seacourt Bridge

And thanks to Tracy and the team – breakfast at last.

Breakfast!

Season opener for St George’s Day

In recent years, the first Havoc dance out of the summer season has been at Oxford Folk Weekend. The organisers of that were having a break this year, so our first appearance of the summer was a low-key celebration of St George’s Day at the Eight Bells at Eaton.

They’re under starters orders…

This year we are once again very pleased to welcome our old friends Jenny and Barney from Brisbane’s own Bellswagger morris.

… and they’re off!

We have to admit being a little late; we were dancing on Thursday 25th April, 2 days after St George’s Day.

Constant Billy

But the 2019 dance out season is properly launched.

All up!

Swanage Folk Festival – one last hurrah for Summer 2018

The AGM has been and gone, and we’re about to embark on a new practice season. One last snippet of the summer dance out programme remains, Swanage Folk Festival.

We took part in the dance programme on Saturday, starting outside the Heritage Centre with Beetlecrushers Step and Clog, and then on to the classical setting of the Prince Albert Gardens with Marlings Morris.

Marlings Morris at Prince Albert Gardens





Locals Baharah Bellydance on the Sea Front


After that, a trip to the Sea Front with locals Baharah Bellydance.



Dancing on the pier at Swanage


And then off to the pier for a little dance on our own.

Cry Havoc on the pier at Swanage






And then, time for the procession! The 2017 procession was notable for the rain that started just as we got moving, and completely soaked us before we’d got half way. This year the weather gods were more forgiving. You can see us, complete with unruly Buzzard, at 11 minutes in on this video.