We are often asked about the origins of Morris Dancing. The only honest answer is that no one really knows! Certainly it is one of the oldest English customs and involves a seasonal performance.
What we know for certain is that there has been a Morris Team at Leyland for over a hundred years now - on and off! – and it began as part of the old Leyland May Festival. The current team was re-started in 1966.
The story of Leyland’s various Morris teams is told in the recently launched book and video ‘Will It Be Fine Do You Think?’ These were funded jointly by the
Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) and the Nationwide Building Society, and administered by the Countryside Agency whose North West office is in Penrith.
The LHI is a national grant scheme that helps local groups investigate, explain and care for local landmarks, landscapes, traditions and culture. It was launched in February 2000 and is planned to run until 2010.
The current team has danced at venues as far apart as Kent and the Isle of Man, Devon and Scotland, and we regularly exchange visits with a dance team from Angers in the Loire Valley of Western France. We have been heard on both Local and National Radio; been seen on Regional T.V.: have appeared on the stage of the Dominion Theatre, London, and at the prestigious Sidmouth International Folklore Festival.
Whatever the event we try to bear in mind that it’s a chance to keep the world smiling. We’re always glad to hear from anyone interested in joining the team to dance, to play an instrument or simply in a supporting role.
If you feel you could work hard at enjoying yourself then the learning curve begins Mondays at 7:30pm. Beginners are especially welcome, whether young or just young at heart.
For further details please contact :
Mike Bailey 01772 337999 (mikepatbailey@btinternet.com) or
Len Daniels 01772 434458 (ljd@incorez.com)
Thanks to the generosity of spectators it has been possible to make donations over the past few years to charities with local connections. This year it’s the turn of the Rainbow House, Mawdesley.
Page maintained by Alan Cowie
March 2008