Meet the side...

Old Peter.

The first reference to Old Peter we could find was in one of the Shakespear Sonnets and goes thus:-

"make we merrie dancers of the morrysse

a joye to behold...

was even arounde in the day of Pytre

and he is indeed quyte olde..."

Having danced for many (many) years for some quite prestigious sides, Peter is one of our founding dancers.  He is an ideal mentor and guide for new members, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the art of Morris.

When not Morris Dancing, Ole Pete can often be found behind his beloved tankard, dipping his beard.

Release the inner Morris Dancer within...

Right then you lot, think you can do better?

Actually you very well might!

Come along to our taster session this Thursday (13th September) at 8.00pm and see how much fun we all  it all is.

Woodchester Village Hall, next to the Royal Oak.

Wear some comfortable clothing and watch us all prance about like wallies.  Maybe even join in, who knows, you may enjoy it!

Next Opportunity to see us

Thursday 30th August 2012

8.00pm Morris-Time

The Old Badger, Eastington

First time there, so come along in case they don't invite us back!

http://oldbadgerinn.co.uk/

Meet the Side

Jane is our Vogon Sargeant.  She was there, back when we started all those years ago, taking a rable of dis-illussioned ex-dancers from several staid sides and turning them into the crack squadron of enthusiastic superstars that we have become.  She choreographs, teaches and even plays for us.  We think she's brill, but will never tell her.  There is a rumour going round that she is seeing one of our other dancers Dave, although I think that she keeps that a secret.  She also is well known for driving around topless in her sports car.

An article that we're having in the local press

Morris Dancing – It’s not all Beards, Bells and Beer!

The traditional English pastime of Morris Dancing has undergone  quite a revival over the past few years.  From feature films such as “Morris- A life with bells on” to the documentary “The way of the Morris”, and the South Bank festival “5000 Morris Dancers”. 

Now there are contemporary sides like The Demon Barbers and The London Belles appearing before packed crowds at some of the major folk festivals around the country.  Even the Olympic Closing Ceremony had its share.

Local Morris side “The Chalford Stick Company” have had a great dance season this year, despite the wet weather.  They have danced at the famous Upton Folk Festival, the National Morris Day of Dance in Stratford on Avon (at the kind invitation of the Royal Shakespeare Company), and the local ‘Stroud on Water’ festival for Cotswold Canals Trust.

“We’ve also danced at some of our favourite local pubs on our regular Thursday performances” said Martin Phillips, one of the longest-serving members.

Now it’s the start of the practice season, until they dance once more on Rodborough Common, at sunrise, on May Day.

“ We’re keen to expand our side this year and would welcome new members.  Old or young; experienced or beginner; male or female.  Anyone is welcome to come along at our taster-evening at Woodchester Village Hall on Thursday 13^th September at 8.00pm.  Well known for our energy and enthusiasm, it’s a great way of having some healthy exercise, lots of fun and even the odd real ale or two!”

Why not come along and feel free to watch or even give it a try?

For more information, call Jane on 01453 731752, email us on all@chalfordstick.co.uk or have a look at the website www.chalfordstick.co.uk

Rodborough Riding

A new dance, and perhaps one of our more noisy ones.  Based on an old legend of lost love and unfulfilled destiny, we tell this story using the medium of dance.

The Black Horse at Amberley

Yet another good night, some amazing views as we danced accross the valley and at the sunset.

We've had alot of requests to see the famous Dead Mans Acre dance.  This is the Zen-like dance that should only be done by highly experienced dancers, which is why if you're very careful, you will see my deliberate mistake.  Luckily, no-one dies.  I wish I could say that for every time we perform this.

Here's another photo from the night.

A great crowd!



AF