Au Revoir, Iain

Bathampton Morris Men said "farewell" to Iain Mackay on the tour of Bradford on Avon, Winsley and Limpley Stoke. Iain only joined us this season but he has proved to be an energetic and enthusiastic asset to the side. Unfortunately, Iain's work now moves him up to Scotland so he won't be able to dance with us regularly anymore but we still hope to see him from time to time.

The photo shows Iain on his final evening out, holding the token of appreciation given to him by the Squire.

Back from Bordeaux

Bathampton Morris Men are now back from dancing at the Fêtes de la St Jean at Bazas near Bordeaux in France. We joined the local folklore group who dress as shepherds and dance on stilts, along with a group from Hungary.

Photos of the tour are in the Gallery.

Goodbye to Tucker's Grave

Bathampton Morris Men performed for the last time at Tucker's Grave Inn in Faulkland on Thursday May 26th. The pub, described by many as being "one of the best in the country", closed at the end of May, ending a history of over 200 years.

The photo shows Glenda, landlady of Tucker's Grave, along with Bathampton Morris Men outside the pub after their last performance. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

The 2011 Summer Dance Season has Begun It's summer again and Bathampton Morris Men are keeping the Morris tradition alive in North Somerset, West Wiltshire and beyond as usual. We have a very full programme this year: apart from our local performances every Thursday evening, we are also travelling to foreign parts (France, Malta and Dorset). See the full details in the summer programme. The photo shows one of our 4 new members playing for the side at the final winter practice in Winsley in April.

The Father of The Side

A group of 20 Bathampton men gathered in early October to celebrate the 90th birthday of Bill Holt, who joined the side some 42 years ago. After a short show by the river Avon, we retired to the King's Arms in Bradford on Avon, where a fine lunch was taken, and the Principal Guest proceeded to entertain the assembly with vivid accounts of his birth (in Cairo), his distinguished career in the Indian Army, and later, in the Royal Artillery - all punctuated with lively performances of the Sailor's Hornpipe (!) and a rendering of Tipperary, for which he is justly famous. Those of us, privileged to share in this occasion, took particular notice of the evident benefit accruing to Bill from his morris activities, and appreciated the thoughtful testimonial contributed by a welcome visitor, Robin Springett, from the Morris Ring. Peter Bunt View photos of the event

Practice Sessions

Practice sessions will resume on Thursday October 13th.