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Blackmore Morris Men were formed in 1969 by a group of young men from Blackmore Folk Club (not far from Brentwood in Essex) who wanted to dance Cotswold Morris. Since then hundreds of men and boys have learnt these traditional English dances with Blackmore Morris. If you think you might like to try it, come along to one of our practice nights and find out how it's done. If you think it looks hard, don't worry; if you can march in time to music, you can dance.
We practice every Wednesday evening in the winter in Moreton village hall (near Ongar) and later we discuss the finer points of dancing in the Nag's Head. Further details can be had from John. Contact j.s.cubbin@city.ac.uk or telephone 01277 221123.
The present side consists of: Eric (squire), Simon (foreman), John (secretary), Rob (fool), Harry, Myles, Tony, Adrian, Neil, Chris, John D. and Peter, Duncan and Roy (who still dances with us sometimes despite moving to Devon). The musicians are: Carol (treasurer), Sue G. and Trevor on melodeon, Sue C. on fiddle and Liz on melodeon and fiddle.
Blackmore Morris dance out at pubs around Essex on Wednesdays from May to September and we have such a good time we sometimes do it at weekends too, such as the South Weald Flower Festival. We would love to do more, as we have to turn down many requests to attend special events, which we could fulfill if we had more members. Why not join us? For details follow this link
Blackmore like to venture further afield. Last year (and the year before, and the year before that) we went to Sidmouth and a couple of years ago we went to the Saddleworth Rushcart weekend. In 2005 we had a trip to Carcassonne in the South of France, and in July 2006 we visited Poland. For the last last five years we have danced at the Reedham Ferry Folk Festival.
Blackmore Morris are famous for their post-morris song and music sessions (from around 9.45 till closing time.) They are keeping the traditions alive because they enjoy it. Why not come and try them out? The practice season starts in September. You would be made very welcome.
Morris Dancing: Past and Future
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Essex Folk News: the folk/roots listing magazine for Essex and East London