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St Albans Morris Men |
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In front of St Albans Town Hall. The weather did not encourage a large audience, and the photos turned out a bit grey! But here is the traditional shot of us with The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr. Keith Stammers.
Photo: Melvyn Teare |
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We foregathered at The Barley Mow, Horseferry Road, to sample their hospitality. In due course, the South African barmaid sampled the hospitality of Westminster Morris Men - plus as many other men as could muscle in on the usual ceremony!
Photo: John Price |
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SAMM were on Tour 3 bis, and started the morning at various spots along the Embankment. Here, Ravensbourne Morris Men perform in Victoria Tower Gardens.
Photo: John Price |
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At the same venue, Offley Morris Men perform in front of the Buxton Memorial Fountain. (Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton succeeded William Wilberforce as leader of Great Britain's anti-slavery movement.)
Photo: John Price |
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After a gruelling session of dancing (well over 15 minutes!) it was time to repair to The Westminster Arms for refreshment. Brian Bending, cash in hand, looks after the SAMM kitty whilst 25 dancers from other sides wait patiently to be served.
Photo: John Price |
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With Old Father Thames gently flowing along in the background, Whitchurch Morris Men (augmented) dance at Embankment Steps to the pipe and tabor of Mike Chandler.
Photo: John Price |
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Unable to dance at Cleopatra's Needle, due to unfair competition from the drums of an Amnesty International demonstration against Egypt, we took an early lunch at The Ship and Shovel, Craven Passage. Here, we had a good welcome, fine beer and a tasty lunch. Jenny, the landlady, was happy to help us dance "The Rose" afterwards.
Photo: John Price |
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In the afternoon, we performed to passing groups of tourists at Duke of York Steps, St James' Park.
Photo: John Price |
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We did two spots in Trafalgar Square, the second as part of the massed show. An excellent range of photographs of the latter can be seen at ukstudentlife.com - including the one alongside of Edward resting after a busy day!
Photos: left - John Price; right - courtesy of ukstudentlife.com |
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What better closing shot for the day than one of Westminster Morris Men dancing superbly, as always. A splendid end to the dancing - and still The Feast to come! (Full marks if you can spot Christine Bennett in the crowd!) Photo: John Price |
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It can be very lonely, out there in the middle of The Village Green...
Photo: John Price |
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But when your audience has chosen where to sit, you can always dance nearer to them.
Photo: John Price |
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Of course, blocking the road is one way of encouraging people to stop and watch!
Photo: John Price |
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But you know you're winning when members of the public stop and watch in preference to moving on towards the ice cream stall. (The little girl in the centre gets our award for the most attentive audience of the day.)
Photo: John Price |
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We declined to ascend the inflatable climbing wall. We'd forgotten to bring our crampons.
Photo: John Price |
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Our last spot - in the "This is Hertfordshire" segment of the Showground. The end of a whole day's dancing unmarred by rain!
Photo: John Price |
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Silurian, dancing at The Crown, Little Walden.
Photo: John Price |
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SAMM at Hadstock
Photo: John Price |
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SAMM (left) and Dolphin (right) at Rose & Crown, Ashdon
Photos: John Price |
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At Three Horseshoes, Helions Bumpstead. Left: Colchester MM Right: Silurian MM listen as Sandy Glover (SAMM barker) sings. Photos: John Price |
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Massed dancing in Town Street, Thaxted. Right: show dance by our hosts, Thaxted MM. Photos: John Price |
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The day started in Sumpter Yard. Here, Bedfordshire Lace show off their dancing - and their new uniform!
For a more extensive range of photos at this location, see here.
Photo: John Price |
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Wicket Brood put on a lively display at the next spot - The Clock Tower.
Photo: John Price |
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A display was put on by request outside the West Door of St Albans Abbey, for emerging members of the congregation - and The Bishop also stopped by for a chat with Fool, Jim Rose. This photo has been called "A Couple of Crooks", but is less ambiguously titled "Two Shepherds".
Photo: Jim Bickerton |
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After lunch, there was a stand outside the Verulamium Museum. This is Wicket Brood again.
Photo: John Price |
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