A glorious sunny Bunkfest dance out – that saw Ed back in the side – welcome back, and a farewell dance out to Oliver who is off to university but is replaced for a few weeks by Nerys who is back for a break from studies – all change!  First stop was Boat House with Kennet Morris

Last stop was Town Square – where Oliver and Nerys put all else to shame by shaving donkeys in adjacent parishes!!

Conucopia – step and clog!

Belly dancers dance their bellies!

Havocs create havoc and proper Morris! Ridgeway pack away the table clothe

All in a days dancing and folking in Wantage – and havoc add a recorder – great sound Kate and their mini Havoc!

The last Thursday in July saw us at the Newlands Inn in Eynsham, as guests of Eynsham Morris. They’d also invited Ducklington Morris and Cornucopia Appalachian. We’re all old friends.

Ducklington in action

Emma did her jig. Judging by the photo, at some speed.

Sometimes Emma dances so quickly, she’s just a blur

Later on we moved on to the Queen’s Head for some more dancing.

Eynsham turn up the energy

Eynsham’s musicians working hard

Kate concentrating

And once danced out it was inside the pub for a most splendid music session. A most excellent evening.

Dance out with Ridgeway clog and Rising Phoenix Morris from LA!  Spot the visitors!  Mind you how anyone could concentrate with the smell of Thai food wafting everywhere!  I’m told the food is good!  Maybe a Christmas visit to this lovely country pub? 

Emma reveals her darker side!

A glorious summer evening with dear friends Old Speckled Hen!

Back from an exceptional weekend in Towcester – a great weekend of dance food and fellowship – great weather, great dance sides, great food, great hosts (esses), great venues and great value – many thanks

I have no idea who took this sneaky shot – but must explain – Oliver was worn out from playing and I was empathising with him!  Plus it’s tough being his tour manager, beer buyer and dad!

First Stop Brackley – Blackheath Morris kick us off – with a joke before each dance – How many members of the Morris Ring does it take to change a lightbulb?

Change!!!    Meanwhile we are pictured with the Mayor! Queen’s Oak our delightful joint hosts (esses)

Morris kit 1 one – a bell pad  Stockport Morris Barbara thinks we’re on a fashion shoot!

Morris kit 2 – Socks and assorted curtain material!!  Wrigley Head

Wharf distillery – Dogs!

And Dacre and Mr Gumby and son!

Morris kit 3 – a hat

Morris kit 4 – sticky things! North West

Morris kit 5 –  A ‘Lagerphone’ without a drop of lager being spilled!  Lead musician for the day takes time out to be a yoof!

One for Barbara who says piccies rarely flatter her! Thanks to her and Charlotte, Barbara, Mick

and Jim who kept Oliver company musically.  

Don’t ask – although I know you will!

Can we gather round at the lock on Sunday for a photo – all facing the same way! Phoenix Morris!

Admiring fellow dancers!  Country Gardens!

With thanks to Charlotte – she knows why!!

A delightful evening with friends Towersey Morris

Banbury Bill – or Banbury Billy no mates – dancing out on our own!

Shepherd’s Hey for the two desperately keen punters!

A quick Postman’s knock while no one’s looking in case! – well there’s a phrase ‘in case’ – we make a mistake!  Charlotte got her wish!!   

Dance out the Old Speckled Hen – with their two new chicks!

Note the chap sitting on the far right – William Kimber!  What a coincidence – he is the grandson of the very William Kimber whose other relative we danced for last week and of course who did so much to revive the Morris!  His dad is William Kimber and he has a son – guess his name!

Mick proves to be a dab hand at brolly holding!  What a glorious rainbow! or two!