HAPPY MAY DAY! THE BILLERICAY MAYFLOWER MORRIS MEN KICK OFF THE PANDEMIC BLUES

 

Just lately the BBC have been airing documentaries on how England once celebrated the coming of summer in our towns and villages.  It seems that Morris dancing was recognised as one of our ancient rituals and now, after almost fifteen months of sadness and worry wrought by the covid pandemic - we may be able to look forward to a little more freedom from lockdown. This small Essex town of Billericay is fortunate in having had its very own Morris side for almost fifty years. The Mayflower Morris Men were formed in 1973 to dance the Morris in and around Billericay, to learn new dances and to maintain the traditions of the ancient Morris.  Spring and summer are the seasons when you will usually see our local Mayflower Morris dancing out and about in the town and surrounding area.

Their side comes from all walks of life and has a spread of ages from the teens to the fifties. It's a brilliant way to keep fit. Some like it because it is linked to the folk scene, but you can see that all the members dance to enjoy themselves. Usually, they have a full programme of pubs stops, charity events and fetes through the early part of the year, but unfortunately, this has not been possible due to the current pandemic.

When well-presented, the Morris communicates to spectators something more than the simple enjoyment of watching a dance; there's an almost tangible sense of harmony with nature, of primaeval magic and of age-old pre-Dawn Rite conveyed. Enjoy it, and be sure to partake of the Morris' good luck by contribution to the Bag and helping to keep a quintessential part of English rural tradition alive.

There is no subscription and tuition is free (don't forget to bring two handkerchiefs with you) and you will have a warm welcome if you would like to come along, but do make enquiries first via their website: www.mayflowermorris.com

Geoff Douglas Bagman is a mine of information 01277 650631

The Morris Dancing Season - next event: 

Fri 16th July 2021: 7.45pm at West Hanningfield - 

The Three Compasses Barbecue