The following article written by David Bartlett, singer with Bury St Edmunds-based acapella folk singers Sound Tradition, first appeared on 23rd February 2024 in the Folk column of the Bury Free Press. It was much admired and appreciated by Old Glory.
Read more: Old Glory Molly; "An unpretentious gem of performance art”
INCLUSIVE MORRIS
Milkmaid Molly’s whole ethos is to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people to enrich their lives through the joy of music and movement.
Fred Sanders
“It is with immense sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our dear friend and Founder of the Morris Men of Little Egypt, Frederick Sanders. Frederick passed away at home on Monday 24th May surrounded by his beloved family.
Two weeks ago, on the 16th March, when I wrote the first article, in what now is becoming a series, no-one expected that almost immediately all Morris practices, pub nights, day's of dance and festivals would be cancelled until further notice but that is what has happened. Even more astonishingly most of us are now required to remain in our own homes as part of the social (physical) distancing strategy. For those of us who are feeling an urge to get back to dancing here is a way of performing the Upton on Seven Stick Dance completely in compliance with social distancing; kindly provided by Keith Graham of Colchester Morris Men.
Following the Government announcement on 16th March the Joint Morris Organisations issued a statement which confirmed that the JMO National Day of Dance planned for 18th April 2020 in Liverpool has been postponed until April 2021 on a date to be decided.
Similarly, Daniel Fox, Squire of Thaxted Morris Men announced "the not-unexpected decision to cancel this year's Thaxted Morris Weekend due to be held on May 29 to 31. It is the first cancellation since 1939".
Morris On!
Dave Evans
29th March 2020
I would normally be at Morris practice tonight, Monday 16th March, but instead I’m sitting at home (home working?) writing this. As you may be aware today was the day that the Government asked us all to practise “social distancing”. A question; “Is practice still on tonight – are you going?” was raised tonight at 6.05pm and the response to a quick email poll was rapid, which was just as well as a decision was needed well before 8pm, especially as some members cycle 10 miles or more to our practice venue. The result of the email poll was pretty unanimous and led to some interesting comments and discoveries.
Hey, Guys, Is practice on tonight?
Read more: “Is practice still on tonight – are you going?” - Morris and Covid-19
John Clare's Scraping
You know how it is, you're doing the ironing or cooking and you have the radio on in the background and suddenly your ears prick-up as you become aware of something familiar or interesting. Well, there I was preparing an early supper when I heard Jon Boden's voice talking to me from the radio. He'd put together a great little programme about the poet John Clare, the "Northamptonshire peasant poet". He's one of my favourite poets and I even have an 1820 copy of his first book "Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery" which I inherited from my Mum. So, Jon Boden immediately got my full attention, especially as the programme was celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of that book.
John Clare, the Northamptonshire Peasant Poet
Old Glory's recent trip to Kent was captured on film by a Brighton based young film maker, Conan Roberts of Unfolding Films. Filmed on a very cold day at the end of November in the harbour and on the beach at Whitstable, Kent. The film conveys, in a few quick frames, some of the essential magic, mystery, energy and power of the Molly and is enhanced with a voice-over by one of the dancers.
If you like this one another film by the company with a flavour of the Morris called "Modern Nature - Nature" may also interest you. If you can identify any of the sides involved please let me know so that I can give them a credit. I suspect that some of the sides may be from the Brighton area where Unfolding Films are based.
The film maker, Conan Roberts, has expressed an interest in filming a wide variety of Morris traditions, events and performances, so it may be worth contacting him through their website (see above) if you have something which may be of interest. I've already suggested that he might like to visit Thaxted in June.
Dave Evans, Mardles Morris Correspondent
8th January 2020
