April 26, 2020

On what would have been the week of our first dance out of the 2020 season, our bagman has officially announced the cancellation of all our planned pub tours and event bookings through to August -  sadly inevitable whilst pubs remain closed and public gatherings prohibited. We hope normal socialising will have resumed by this time next year, and look forward to being out and about entertaining the public again in 2021! Meanwhile, stay safe and well everyone!

March 19, 2020

In light of the current covid-19 virus pandemic, and in keeping with the Government's public health advice, Dolphin Morris Men have decided to suspend all activities until such time as normal social contact is resumed. There will be no more practices this season, and our summer tour schedule effectively cancelled unless circumstances change before the end of July 2020. Stay safe and well!

March 12, 2020

It feels like we are in recruitment overdrive following the arrival of our second new member this year! Matt Simons, who has joined up after recently moving into the area, is already a veteran of Peterborough, Leicester and Cambridge Morris sides. We hope his youth and athleticism won't look too out of place as we hit the road this summer! Welcome along Matt!

February 27, 2020

It was a poignant moment last practice when our Foreman (chief dance teacher), Ian Stewart, passed on the mantle after half a century at the helm. We owe a huge debt to Ian, a founder member of Dolphin, as largely responsible for the side's style and standards of dancing throughout its lifetime. He will of course continue to dance, teach and play in the side, while we welcome his nominated - and most able - successor Michael Wilkinson into the role, and look forward to a new chapter in Dolphin's history!

January 31, 2020

It was a real pleasure for us to be invited to dance at Kingston on Soar Village Hall - our practice venue for more seasons than most of us care to remember - on Saturday (25th January) to help the village celebrate National Village Hall Week 2020! Eight of us danced for a small but appreciative crowd at the hall in the afternoon. Of the various stalls the cake stall seemed to be the one that most attracted the men... the lemon drizzle being particularly popular! We wish the hall committee all success in fund-raising for improvements to to the hall's facilities.

December 22, 2019

Yesterday, Dolphin joined Lady Bay Revellers, Mortimer's Morris, Sullivan's Sword, Whip The Cat Rapper & Clog and members of Ripley Morris , or the official start of Christmas - The Revs' annual Christmas Revels at The Victoria, Beeston! The occasion marked new member Doug Fazzani's first dance out with the side - well done Doug! - and also showcased the side's acting talents, providing a formidable Three Kings for a touching Nativity play. All followed by rousing carols in the main bar, then more dancing from Revellers, a rapper & clog from Whip The Cat, Wil's fiddle jig and a few tunes and songs as the revellers drifted away. Another great day. Many thanks to Lady Bay Revellers.

December 06, 2019

Thursday 12th December will be the last practice night before our Christmas break.

On 19th we hold our annual Christmas Carols and Party Night, in the company of family and friends of the side, carolling into the night at The Sun Inn, Gotham. 

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Then, we are really looking forward to joining Lady Bay Revellers, along with other local Morris dance sides, for their annual festive gathering at The Victoria, Beeston on Saturday 21st December - the 'official' start to Christmas! Dancing starts at 12 noon followed, after lunch, by hearty carol singing in the pub - and maybe some more dancing - into the afternoon. All welcome!

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Our practice season resumes on 9th January.

November 01, 2019

For the second time this season, enough dancers last night for two sets up and three musicians.  We added a new dance to our repertoire: the famous Riggs of Doom, a dance in the style of Bampton written by Utrecht Morris Men to a lovely original tune - one to look out for next summer! 

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And, it you're thinking of joining, it's still not too late - just come along to Kingston-on-Soar Village Hall on a Thursday evening, or contact:

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Martin on 07599 969731

bagman@dolphin-morris.co.uk

or email

Nick or Dave

squire@dolphin-morris.co.uk

September 14, 2019

The practise season is now well underway and we welcome new recruits (dancers, musicians or both). You will have the whole of the winter to get up to speed with Dolphin dancing style and could be dancing out with us by May 2020.

Dolphin practice every Thursday until the end of April at Kingston on Soar Village Hall.

Jigs, basic stepping, points of style etc. from 7:30. This tends to allow more personal instructions. 

Set dances from about 8:00.

We then recover from the ordeal with a drink at a local pub and often have music and song sessions as part of that.

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We are a Cotswold Morris side for male dancers. New dancers or experienced adult male dancers are welcome to join us as well as musician of either sex. We are also happy to put you in touch with other local sides that are all male, all female, or mixed, and which dance Cotswold or any of the other various Morris traditions.

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If you want to chat with someone before you come, call

Martin on 07599 969731

bagman@dolphin-morris.co.uk

or email

Nick or Dave

squire@dolphin-morris.co.uk

August 05, 2019

Toby Melville, superbly played for by dad Jon, won this years single jig competition in Sidmouth with a superbly athletic and stylish performance. Well done Toby, amazing leaps! Excellent.

August 01, 2019

The final month of the 2019 dancing-out season saw Dolphin at the following  venues:

Thursday 18th July

The Cross Keys at Burton Joyce was a regular stop on the Gate to Southwell in years gone by. A very enthusiastic and raucous audience made for an an excellent show.. We then moved to the Black Horse at Caythorpe, with a smaller crowd consisting of the same people who turn up every year and are a very good audience, chips from the landlady and singing in the bar.

Thursday 25th

The final Dolphin tour of the season at the Waterside Inn and The Swan Inn, Mountsorrel

Sunday 28th

Deerstock festival, East Bridgford as band-change entertainment

Wednesday 31st

Finishing off as guests of Leicester Morris at the Three Crowns, Wymeswold and Anchor Inn, Walton on the Wolds

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Practise season starts again early September, call or check here for details

July 17, 2019

With two Thursday night tours to go before the end of the "season" here follows a brief summary of what we've been up to since the last update.

June 20th Kings Head Sutton Bonington. Our annual midsummer massed displays of dancers and dance traditions. This year's friends with us were Black Pig Border, Chip of the Old, First Class Stamp, Maids of Clifton and Dawn Dawson.

June 27th 5 Bells, Claypole followed by Royal Oak Long Bennington, after which a record eleven songs were sung by eleven different dancers with all the dancers out that evening singing one song each. With many of our regular singers away, Dolphin should be proud.

July 4th Plough at Hickling, where a huge and very appreciative audience contributed to a most successful start to the evening.  A few people came out at the Plough at Cropwell Butler and there was singing and music afterwards.

July 11th. Practice of the butchers' dance at Bunkers Hill was followed by a performance of this and traditional Morris at City Arts as interval entertainment. The evening finished off at the VAT and Fiddle

Weekend of 12,13,14 July. Annual Chipperfield weekend with Greensleeves and Thelwall Morris

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Full 2019 tours information available here or see events diary to the right.

June 13, 2019

A busy month ...

May 23rd saw us at the Dragon and the Boardwalk in Willington with our friends Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris. Probably nearer their territory this one, but as two of our members live at the Marina, it was our tour!

May 30th Annual visit to Bradmore Village, the home of the Bradmore Dancers who, in 1618, were jailed (and indeed excommunicated) for profaning the Sabbath by dancing on that day. This was followed by a visit to Ruddington Beer Festival at the Framebreakers Arms

June 2nd. 1620's house in Donington Le Heath. This being a Sunday in 1622 we of course danced, but also performed the play (written by Bob Hine) which demonstrated that the Bradmore men had in fact been wrongly convicted by the Church authorities. Listen to the full story here.

Practise, lunch and dancing at the Old Thatched Inn, Stanton under Bardon prior to this.

June 6th The Dead Poets, Holbrook and The Holly Bush, Makeney. A tour organised by Dolphin to the home of the invited side Makeney Morris who are definitely one of the best of the many excellent young sides around. We used to be young once you know!

June 13th.  Many Dolphins attended the funeral/celebration of the life of Edward Bellaby (formerly Ted Hutchby), erstwhile Squire and one-time Fool of Dolphin Morris.

June 13th. Our Download-warm-up tour of Castle Donington. With the weather soggy, and the fact that many Dolphins had been at a funeral all day, this could have been a wash out. However the Download crowds were superb, plentiful and in very good humour. All three pubs (we danced at the Chequered Flag, Cross Keys and Jolly Potters) were crammed full of enthusiastic rock fans and this was one of the best Thursday tours for a while. We finished back at the Chequered Flag for singing and music.

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Next event is the "Come all ye" midsummer's evening at the Kings Head, Sutton Bonington (Thursday 20th June) where there will be a variety of sides showcasing the diversity of traditions and styles that make up the Morris as we know it today. 

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On the Wednesday prior (19th June) some men will be going to the Rose Inn, Baxterley (near Atherton, Warwickshire) as guests of Anker Morris for their midsummer celebrations. A beautiful pub and an excellent evening, so well worth the trip if you are able.

Full 2019 tours information available here

May 17, 2019

Three evening tours and a Hayfield so far this year. First two tours - Beeston and Lenton - welcomed the summer in with significant rainfall, and Hayfield was even wetter. However none the less three excellent tours. Finally summer proper arrived for the Ockbrook tour with our friends Ripley Morris 

Next event is Thursday 23rd May at The Dragon Willington (8.00) and Mercia Marina Boardwalk (9.00) with Uttoxeter Morris.

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Full 2019 tours information available here

April 17, 2019

First Thursday evening tour of new season will be

Thursday 2nd May  

7.45 Old Crown, Beeston
8.45 The Star Inn, Beeston

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Full 2019 tours information available here

March 30, 2019

Dolphin will be dancing, along with 50 other Morris sides, at the annual Joint Morris Organisations Day of Dance - this year in Manchester.

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Dolphin's dance spots are:

Note change to first and third spots from previously stated

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10.15 Great Northern Square with Rivington and Strictly Clog

11.30 Albert Square: with Letchworth and Earl of Stamford

13.15 Manchester Central: with Fools and Beasts and Leeds Morris 

14.30 Spinningfields: with Kinnerton and Tegeingl Tanglers

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After which there will be a  show dance featuring selected sides taking place at 3.30pm at the Bridgewater Hall

There are 16 dance sites across Manchester City Centre.

1) Cathedral Gardens - M4 3BG

2) Exchange Square - M4 3AJ

3) New Cathedral Street - M3 1BD

4) Market Street - M2 1DH

5) Exchange Street - M2 7EA

6) St Ann’s Square - M2 7PW

7) Piccadilly Gardens - M1 1LU

8) King Street - M2 6AW

9) Albert Square - M2 5DB

10) Spinningfields - M3 3AE

11) Great Northern Square - M2 5QR

12) Manchester Central - M2 3GX

13) Bridgewater Hall - M2 3WS

14) Peveril of the Peak - M1 5JQ

15) Tony Wilson Place - M15 4GU

16) MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) - M3 4JP

The following sides will be involved:

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Adlington Morris Men, Amounderness Ladies Morris, Bakanalia Border Morris, Bare Bones Border Morris, Beggars' Oak Clog, Billy No Mates, Black Adder Morris, Boggarts Breakfast, Bunnies from Hell, Chorlton Cloghoppers, Dolphin Morris, Fenstanton Morris, Fidlers Fancy Womens Morris, Five Rivers Morris, The Illustrious Order of Fools & Beasts, Grimsby Morris Men, Hebden Bridge Hill Millies, Kinnerton Morris Men, Knights of King ina, Leap to your Feet Appalachia, Leeds Morris, Letchworth Morris Men, Makeney Morris, Malkin Morris, Manchester Morris Men, Mersey Morris Men, Milltown Cloggies, Minster Strays, Mossley Morris Men, Mucky Mountains Morris, Persephone Women's Morris, Peterborough Morris, Poacher Morris, Poynton Jemmers, Ripley Green Garters, Ripley Morris, Rivington Morris, Saddleworth Morris Men, Shakespeare Morris, Southport Swords, St.Katharine's Morris, Strictly Clog, Stroud Morris, Sutton Masque, Tegeingl Tanglers, The Buttercross Belles, The Earl of Stamford, Wakefield Morris, Waters Green Morris, Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border, Wrigley Head Morris Men

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In the evening there will be a music session from 4-7pm in The Font (7-9 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP) followed by special concert at 7.30pm in the O2 Ritz (Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5NQ), with Blowzabella, to launch the programme for the Manchester Folk Festival

January 26, 2019

Saturday January 26th saw the revival of the Nottingham Dancing Butchers, at Dancing England 2019.  Last revived in 1986 at a previous Dancing England, based on records from the 1700’s which included a reference in the Tattler magazine of 1710 and an etching from the period.

 The Dancing Butchers team was made up of 4 from the 1986 revival, and 7 from the Dolphin membership.

 The performance consisted of 3 sections, each being introduced in verse, or “rhyming cutlets” :

     A song, “Who’s pigs are these”, with accompaniment played on the Cleavers. The singing, led by Andy was to his usual high standard.  The Cleaver accompaniment, with the benefit of the adrenaline of the moment, was almost faultless and better than ever achieved in rehearsal! 

     A dance with the tune of chorus figure played on the Cleavers. This dance, playing to our strengths, went smoothly.  The chorus of the Bobby Shafto tune had a rhythm that fell naturally on the Cleavers. 

     A dance involving “Daisy” the clog dancing cow being butchered for her meat. Daisy, step danced to the front of the stage and the butchers danced around her.  As a part of this the Butchers came in, in turn, to collect their portion of meat. Vegetarians were not forgotten!  There was an audible gasp from the audience, when the first cleaver was swung at Daisy. One of the Butchers took a tumble with an over enthusiastic back swing when chopping at Daisy.  However the timely way he recovered made it seem a part of the act, as though Daisy had given him a kick!!

Video links (click here) will show you what words cannot. 

The performance went so well that the Dancing Butchers may yet be seen again when Dolphin Morris are out on Tour!

The Dancing England Show is to be recommended to all those interested in the folk custom of our country. The Organisers put on a very good show and are to be congratulated.  It is believed that it was a full house, and that Saturday 18th Jan 2020 has been pencilled in for the next Dancing England.

January 26, 2019

Congratulations to Toby Melville and Jon for a truly outstanding jig (Jon played the music, Toby went into orbit) performed at Dancing England 2019 following his successful winning performances at last year's Sidmouth Folk Festival's John Gasson Jig competition

January 01, 2019

The New Year practise sessions start on January 3rd 2019

7.30 for Jigs and 8.00 for main practise.

All welcome.

November 27, 2018

The date for this year will be Thursday 20th December 2018 starting at 8.30.

Venue now confirmed as SUN INN GOTHAM.

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NEW SONG SHEETS, with 6 new songs and an additional alphabetical index, have been produced and are available here

download in word

download as PDF

November 23, 2018

The 2019 Dancing England event will be held at the Nottingham Playhouse on Saturday  January 26th 2019 as a showcase of the best of English Traditional Dance. Click Here for further details.

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Dolphin Morris Men have been asked to recreate the tradition of the Nottingham Dancing Butchers. Ray Dawson who was in the last performance at the 1986 Dancing England says:
"The existence of original Butchers is first recorded in “The Tatler” in 1710 and there are other references from the first half of the 18th century. The original Butchers were just called the “Nottingham Butchers” and played “tunes” by banging marrow bones on tuned meat cleavers and other Butchers’ implements. There was no dancing involved. The dancing was introduced in the Butchers’ revival in 1986 on the request of the Dancing England organisers who wanted a show in keeping with the event."

October 05, 2018

Dolphin will dancing at the Ruddington Steam Punk event on Saturday 6th October from 1.30.

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Update - we had an excellent turnout of men - 10 - Nick, Ian S, Ian A, Clive, Ray, Bob, Andy, Michael, Gavin and Martin (plus Dawn Dawson who regaled us with some excellent clog stepping). Sadly the weather was appalling so it was a bit of a wash out, but we held our own up well at the Framebreakers and at the museum.

September 26, 2018

Bringing the practise start time forward to 8.00, finishing at 9.30 and allowing an extra long session in the pub has proved a huge success with 16 musicians and dancers turning up by 8. 

An excellent evening, let's hope it continues. There is still room for new dancers or musicians to join us either at practice or at the pub. 

Here's to a successful next 50 years of Dolphin Morris!

September 20, 2018

Dance practise will now start sharp at 8.00 and finish at 9.30 to enable us to get to the relevant pub that bit earlier for a longer session.

So if you fancy a bit of singing or bringing along your instrument to play then do feel free to join us.

Of course new dancers are always welcome at Kingston Village hall any Thursday, experienced or "keen to learn and put in the effort"

Jigs teaching from 7.30 ish

September 09, 2018

​Two Dolphins, Andy and Clive, attended the Abbots Bromley Horn dance this year. Held on "the first Monday after the first Sunday after the 4th September" each year.

For more information on this long standing tradition that can be traced back to the Barthelmy Fair in August 1226 click here.

July 31, 2018

After our customary August break, the first practice of the year (due to the postponement of the Thursday 6th September practice due a beer festival at the hall) will be Thursday 13th September at Kingston on Soar Village hall.
All welcome, experienced or "keen to learn"​.

July 25, 2018

Normally the last tour is this last week of July. Normally we have trouble getting a full side out because many have gone on holiday. This year it was decided not to plan a final tour.

However so many people were available it was decided to squeeze this in. Our 50th anniversary thus ended with two excellent pubs - Waterside Inn and The Boat, Mountsorrel. Two excellent venues and dance sessions, with songs from Andy, Dave, Clive, Ian S, Emma, Jon, Martin, Mike, and Wil and music from the a good selection of musicians on a good selection of instruments to finish off at the Boat.

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July 25, 2018

An additional 2018 tour has been added to the list of dance venues for 2018

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26th July 2018

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• 8pm        The Waterside Inn,  Mountsorrel

• 9pm        The Swan Inn, Mountsorrel

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July 18, 2018

The landlord of the Cross Keys at Burton Joyce was very welcoming.  He had missed the regular visits that were a part of the Gate to Southwell.  There was a good audience sitting outside in the sun and they were very accepting of our dancing.  Definitely worth including on our tour list again next year.

The Railway Inn at Lowdham has become a nice food pub.  We were asked to dance on an area of grass, that was fortunately close to the outside diners, and allowed those in the Beer Garden to look over the wall.  There was a tune hiccup by the foreman on one dance which required a “restart”, and a bit of humming from the side.  It was good to see Simon and Kate Haydock who came out to see us.

The Final Whistle at Southwell, had a good number of people in the yard, some of which were interested in our dance, and some were not.  We did a crisp set of dances and enjoyed the excellent beer to be had there.  The Off the Rails Folk Club were having a session in the Bar.  Not quite sure why but there was no interaction between us.

July 18, 2018

Please note the second stop tonight is the Railway Lowdham not the Ship as advertised which has closed its doors.

Full details are

• 7.45 Cross Keys  @ Burton Joyce

• 8.30  The Railway Inn Lowdham   NOT the Old ship as advertised

• 9.15 Final Whistle Southwell.

July 13, 2018

On arrival Dolphin received the usual warm welcome from Greensleeves. After their dances around the Leslie Nichols Tree, and outside the Two Brewers we went off to the Windmill for a session.  After perhaps a slow start it went well, with Bert Cleaver making several contributions.  Emma was encouraged to sing, and did well with a fitting song about the love of dancing.  East Surrey Morris, the other guests chose not to make a large contribution to the session.

The Saturday was very hot in the Sun.  After the usual early “dry” spots in Chesham and at Wendover Farmers Market, we enjoyed sitting in the shade at a characterful pub.  The fact that the beer was £4-50 a pint was something of a shock to we Midlander’s.

The spots all had good audiences and we put up 4 sets for a massed dance at Dunstable Down.

Unusually this year, Chipperfield Village were holding a Fun Day on the Green, and we stopped off to do a short spot for them, before ending the dancing day at The Plough at Belsize.

After the excellent feast and formalities, there was song and music from the floor.  The East Surrey contribution consisted of well arranged songs with musical introductions which were a pleasant change from the usual.

Sunday was again hot and shade was much sought after.  Dolphin danced well in the show dances, and indeed over the whole weekend.  After more dancing at the Windmill, with much more reasonably prices beer and a generous lunch Dolphin bade farewell to our hosts and fellow guests and made our way north

July 11, 2018

With the hot weather there were a good number of customers out in the garden of the Martin’s Arms where we dance.  One gentleman was particularly keen to see us dance.  

We moved a few tables to create a dance area so all could see the dance, if not the detailed foot work.  Michael built a good relationship with the audience with his repartee. After the crisp set of dances Michael took the box round and through the generosity of a particular customer helped us toward a record bag.

At the Plough at Hickling we decided to dance on the pavement opposite the pub, by the canal basin.  Michael persuaded a few couples and a bunch of lads to come over from the pub to watch us. 

Michael was again on form, and there was a good deal of banter with audience, culminating in many joining us in a Bonny Green at the end of the set.

In the pub there followed a good session, which was particularly enjoyed by 2 couples, one offering to buy a round.  Joe and Cynthia were with us tonight, before setting off on their French travels.  We were treated to their French music, with Cynthia excelling giving us a French dialect song and a piece on her soprano saxophone accompanied by Joe on a new 3 row melodeon.

July 04, 2018

The temperature was still high as Dolphin gathered outside the Unicorn at Gunthorpe to dance on the road, giving the drinkers seated outside the pub an excellent view from their elevated position.  Michael warmed the assembly with his usual skill as we danced a set of 5 dances for the audiences delight, while we built up a sweat. 

20 yards along the the road was Tom Browns Brasserie, a gastro pub, with diners outside in front with a wide pavement to dance on.  As it would be have been impolite not to do so, we gave them a couple of dances.  A good dance spot.

Lawrence Platt and a friend came to watch us at but was not able to follow to the Black Horse at Caythorpe.

The Landlady at the Black Horse was as welcoming as always, and was wearing her Dolphin 40th Anniversary Badge.  It was soon joined by Dolphin’s 50th Anniversary Badge!

Most un Morris like we were ready to start before the advertised time.  However we waited to avoid disappointment for any latecomers........Shame there weren’t any!

The locals were sitting outside, so we had an audience for our set of dances which included an 8 man set as Ian A made the journey to join us.

Afterwards we were the sole occupants of the bar and were welcomed by some plates of excellent chips.  A good session ensued with songs most of the side present.

June 27, 2018

Seven Dolphin’s gathered at “Langtry’s” to celebrate England’s unique dance tradition while many gathered in the hot gloom watching the England team playing Belgium, and as it turned out; not to celebrate!  We danced a short set to an audience of passers by and a group of ladies having a drink who engaged us in conversation.  We offered them the chance of joining in a “Bonny Green” at the end of the set, but they had to go to the cinema to catch their film before the end of the set.

At the “Orange Tree”, an enthusiastic landlady, encouraged those not interested in the football to come out to the seating area to watch our set. The audience was interested in the dance and some of them joined us in a Bonny Green at the end of the set.  Afterwards a number of the audience asked about the Morris.

The back yard of the “Poachers” has a lot of  seating in quaint sheds, leaving a small dancing space.  The large audience for the space was enthusiastic and made up for the difficult dance area, and a good time was had by all.  There was a good session afterwards in the yard, which also went down well.

June 20, 2018

The Dog Inn at Pentrich was a nice, albeit foody pub with consequently small audience, with a wonderful view over the countryside.  The car park, despite the sunny evening was cool in the shadow of the pub, was initially rather dominated by a Bentley (mobile disco), which left as we started our first dance!  
Dolphin had a strong side of 11 out including Jon & Emma with Hazel and Jack, but Ripley Morris were a little depleted with members being away on holiday.  They put on a good show of 4 man dances through the evening, and joined with Dolphin in 8 men Lichfield.

At the Cliff Inn we enjoyed another crisp set of dances taking it turn with Ripley.
We were joined by Ian A in civvies recently returned from his travels. He was pulled into a set of an Adderbury dance as an unsuspecting/unknowing member of the small audience.  The pretence was exposed when responding to parts of Michael’s dialogue with the small audience.

After the dance there was a good session with Ripley Morris given good account of themselves in song and music, as we have come to expect.  Thank you guys.
 

June 13, 2018

A bit of an experiment this one. We've danced the Chequered Flag a number of times but  always on the eve before Download. We didn't expect the same large and enthusiastic crowd this year (a week after Download) but in the event it was packed with bikers who always make for a great crowd.

So early doors at the Flag followed by a walk down the hill to The Lamb (a first) which proved a popular venue and then up the steps to the Jolly Potters - where a crowd of two ladies had been eagerly awaiting us. More audience was motivated to come out of the pub and we had a very vocal and keen audience here too. 

So far so good

Next, the new concept. Return to where we started at the Flag for a session. The Flag is an early-doors Micro-pub so the plan was return here when it was quieter so we could have more room for the instruments. However the posters must have been read so we had a good crowd here too!

Perhaps quite a lot to fit into one evening, but certainly a successful tour.

June 09, 2018

A big thank you to our visitors, Greensleeves Morris Men, including guest of honour Bert Cleaver, for making this weekend such a special one.

The tour on Saturday 9th June included visits to Nottingham City Centre,  The Trip To Jerusalem, The Plough at Normanton, Frame Breakers Arms, Ruddington and Bradmore Village - where in 1618 Morris dancers were prosecuted for profaning the Sabbath by dancing on such a day, being the 4th November 1618. We performed a play highlighting new evidence found which showed that the dancers were  indeed  innocent of such a crime and that the church inspector of the day may have been guilty of taking inducements to support the claim of one man.  
BBC RADIO NOTTINGHAM FEATURE

NOTTINGHAM POST ARTICLE

The day's dances concluded at The Anchor, Sutton Bonington followed by a superb Feast at Sutton Bonington village hall

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On Sunday 10th June we were joined by Foresters Morris Men, Charnwood Clog,  Leicester Morris and Maids of Clifton for a morning of varied dance at the Kings Head

June 07, 2018

We will be performing a play at Bradmore during our 50th anniversary tour on Saturday 9th June which looks at the new-found evidence surrounding the 1618 Bradmore dancers who were excommunicated for profaning the Sabbath by dancing.

Hear Bob's excellent account on BBC Radio  Nottingham here

June 06, 2018

An additional  short dance spot to follow practice for the Bradmore Play being premiered on Saturday which may see the Bradmore dancers , excommunicated in 1618, exonerated.

The White Lion in Rempstone is now a community pub and seems to be thriving well. We did a short, well received set of dances and retired for music and song in a very busy and noisy pub.

May 30, 2018

Enough Dolphins tonight for two Headington (6 man) dancing sets and two musicians, excellent.

The first stop (Generous Briton Costock) was a good stop but a very small audience (2 people who had walked from East Leake just to see us).

The second and final stop was the Framebreakers Arms in Ruddington which is a big part of the ever growing Ruddfest and an excellent pub with a huge crowd. We will be revisiting this pub on June 9th as part of our 50th tour.

May 23, 2018

Bradmore Men to be Pardoned After 400 Years

On Saturday June 9th, eight men from Bradmore, Ruddington and Wysall are expected to have their convictions, dating back to the year 1618, quashed before former Bishop of Bunny RR Clive D’India.

Lead archivists Bob Hine and Richard Knox of Dolphin, Knox & Co stated that, after a long and difficult delving into dusty documents, unsafe evidence from a Gotham resident (A. Wiseman) had finally been exposed.

Residents of Bradmore and surrounding villages are expected to
turn out en masse to celebrate the end of one of Britain’s
longest-running legal cases.
 
Entertainment will be provided by historic dance specialists from Greensleeves and Dolphin Morris.

This event coincides with Dolphin’s 50th anniversary tour and starts at 3.30pm in Farmer Street Bradmore.

May 23, 2018

A good tour of two excellent pubs - The Boat and the Johnson Arms in Lenton. 

Accompanied the excellent, World Champions Whip the Cat  Rapper

A bit of  low turnout of dancers but just enough for an eight man set with two musicians. Very little audience a the  Boat and a really good crowd at the Johnson Arms seemingly made up of PHD students who also doubled up up stand up comedians with their first gig on June 21st

May 16, 2018

Tonight's  tour was just Dolphin (ie no guests) and took in  the Durham Ox, Orston followed by the Royal Oak, Long Bennington

May 09, 2018

​A new venue for us and quite a distance for some to travel, but two of our members (Dave Walters and Steve Parker) live on narrowboats at Willington Marina. We invited Uttoxeter to join us for this tour starting at the Dragon and moving onto the Boardwalk in the Marina. For two sides who are often struggling for men, we had a huge turnout from both teams which was very encouraging. An excellent evening overall with plenty of singing and music in the Boadwalk afterwards. A few videos were published on their Facebook page.

May 02, 2018

First tour of our 50th anniversary season was a great success starting at the Riverside Bar and finishing at The Star, both in Beeston. Only 8 dancers were able to make it. Hopefully, as the season continues, more of us will be restored to full dancing fitness!

April 20, 2018

For reasons out of the control of Dolphin, we are unable to dance at the excellent York Chambers in Long Eaton.

Instead the evening's tour will start at the RIVERSIDE BAR,  BEESTON at 8.00pm on May 3rd 2018.

Second spot remains unchanged as The Star at Beeston from 9pm.

First booking of our 50th anniversary season successfully completed: we did three spots at Sawley Marina at a craft fayre type event. In between spots, we found a nice little micro pub: the Lock Keeper's Rest. Excellent.

Sawley Marina's 2018 Spring Market is billed as the biggest Sawley Marina has ever held!

Dolphin will be playing their part on Sunday 15th April 2018 with dancing spots at 11.00, 12.30 and 14.00

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FREE ENTRY

First dance out of 2018 will be May 3rd - York Chambers Long Eaton (8pm) followed by Star Inn at Beeston (9pm)

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Click here for a full list of tours for 2018 

Sixty-odd (or sixty odd?) erstwhile and current Dolphins and loved ones met for Dolphin's 50th anniversary reunion at the VAT and Fiddle, Nottingham on 10th March.  A thorough archive display by Andy Padmore,  slide show on the big screen of events from the past 50 years (courtesy of Dave Walters), excellent buffet and beer as well as much conversation and reminiscing. Music session included Dave Ledsam and Laurence Platt on their respective concertinas. Songs and monologues from Wocko,  John (Wib) Whitelaw, Colin and Kate Shaw, Laurence Platt and other former Dolphins with contributions also from the current crop including Dave Walters, Ian Stewart, Andy Padmore, Clive Cowx, Wil Walker and Michael Wilkinson - plus, no doubt, others too.

Many recordings were made, some of which can be listened to (and even downloaded) here.

Excellently organised by many, particularly Martin Morley.

Thanks Guys.

We are holding a Re-union for all former and current members on Saturday 10th March from 8pm.   
If we have not already contacted you please contact us for details at
Bagman@Dolphin-Morris.co.uk.

Tours for 2018 dancing-out season have now been agreed and published.

2018 is our 50th anniversary and there may well be more events added, so watch this space.

The Annual Morris Ring Jigs Instructional will be held at Sutton Bonington from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2018 

December 27, 2017

After the festive break we will start back at practices on Jan 4th 2018. 

New members are very  welcome. We have a bit of a rule not to introduce anything new after Christmas for the next season, but that doesn't stop new dancers (or musicians) coming along and helping us perfect the old stuff!

We meet at 8ish at Kingston on Soar Village Hall - See events list for more details

DJ Wil Walker writes

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Folks,

My little show on nascent internet radio station Exile FM is now available as a podcast to listen to or download for up to week after broadcast.

Click on the ‘Media’ tab on the top of the exilefm.com web page to find ‘Podcasts’ and the menu of programmes available.

So now you won’t have to stay in on Tuesday nights specially 😉

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or of course you can still hear him live!

Listen in every Tuesday 19:00 - 20:00 (UK time)

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November 15, 2017

This evening the process of deciding next year's tours and events began at a meeting at The Sun Inn in Gotham. Keep your eyes peeled for further news.

WANTED!!!

A number of sturdy males to form an N.T.M.C. Morris Team

No experience necessary -  but strong legs and lungs are vital.

It’s not so “pansy” as most people seem to think.

Have a go!

Let’s get our own club team into action.

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49 years later we are still going strong.

Watch out for details of our 50th year celebrations.

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We welcome new dancers and musicians, so please come along

and join us.

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Call Martin on 07599 969731

or email him at bagman@dolphin-morris.co.uk

If you live in the East Midlands and are looking to join a quality male Morris side, then come along to a practise pretty much any Thursday until the end of April in Kingston-on-Soar (at the village hall), you'd be made most welcome. Check the upcoming events list for details of times to be sure we'll be there!

If you'd prefer a chat beforehand give Martin a ring on 07599 969731 or email him at bagman@dolphin-morris.co.uk

Listen in every Tuesday 19:00 - 20:00 (UK time)

Repeated on Saturdays 13:00-14:00 (UK time)

Another excellent event organised by Bob at his villa in Las Fuentes, near Alcossebre, featuring a two-day tour of the mountains.

Map of the route

We arrived quite late on the Thursday evening. Bob had prepared a superb paella for the weary travelers using his new huge electric paella pan. Thanks Bob, much appreciated.

Friday was relaxed with a walk to the lighthouse and beyond. Small amount of rain but very pleasant followed by an excellent meal and session at Bob’s in the evening together with maybe a little sangria and wine tasting.

Saturday brought clear skies and perfect weather and we piled into the cars heading for our tour of the mountains. Bob had devised a short-sharp-shock system of three contrasting dances - one of the two short stick dances from Headington, followed by a graceful Valentine and topped of with either the Blessing or Upton - which created a varied and impressive show and, I suspect, significantly contributed to the success of all dance spots.

Tour highlights:

First stop San Mateu, where the police had closed off the main street from traffic so we could walk to the square safely. After a breakfast of coffee and croissants from the bakery we danced in the main square to riotous and genuinely sincere applause, which was to be a feature of each and every dance spot thereafter. Nottingham traffic control and Nottingham audiences all have a great deal to learn from those of our Spanish cousins. A great start to the weekend’s dancing.

Next off Cinctorres. A stunning drive through some amazing landscapes brought us to Cinctorres, a small town of 498 inhabitants in a small plateau between Monte Bovalar and the valley of Caldes river whose claim to fame from a Dolphin perspective was supplying the musician for the original Todolella dancers (more of whom later). We danced in a courtyard of the main hotel to a family and some cyclists and had a couple of beers.

 A short drive to Olocau del Rey for a dance spot and lunch. Another huge enthusiastic crowd who cheered us as we left the restaurant after our meal as (presumably) an appreciation of the dance display earlier.

Forcall was an unscheduled stop, full of people enjoying the afternoon sun and coffee or beer at the local bars and so a perfect place to stop for another well received dance spot.

Then Todolella. A hilltop village boasting a population of 140, a castle dwelling mayor and with their own dance tradition and team - Danza Guerrera de Todolella. These days most do not live in Todollela but many had returned for the occasion along with a significant crowd waiting specifically for our arrival. Bob had been contacted by the local TV Nord TV station who duly turned out to do a feature and interview. The TV version (mainly in Spanish) can be seen here, as well as the full uncut version of the film in English. We were presented, by the mayor, with a book about the dance tradition and encouraged to do far more than the three-dance set of the tour as they simply didn’t seem to want to go home! There was rumour that the audience had been bussed in from the local old folk’s home, and the TV cameraman nearly had himself run over by a car reversing to allow more space for the dancers when he was squatting down behind it for a creative view of the dance.

The evening was spent in a farmhouse where the gardens have a built-in barbeque and superb view over the main village across the valley.

Sunday -

Started in Morella a dramatic and famous hilltop medieval walled city where we danced in the market to, once again, large, enthusiastic and very patient crowds. We’d been here before and it’s well worth going again I’d say.

Mirambel was an unscheduled stop where we had not intended to dance, merely to enjoy this fascinating medieval village. However, the owner of the bar was so enthusiastic we just had to do a couple of quick dances. A village of 137 inhabitants, one suspects that in high season this number must grow by at least five fold. A beautiful example of a Spanish medieval village in the Cantavieja river valley which has been very sympathetically developed for tourism without remotely spoiling it.

Driving through Cantavieja, there was a HUGE market and throngs of people so we decided to stop for a dance.

We then visited Ares del Maestrat, or simply Ares, a very famous village with links to the crusades that has been used in many a film set and is perched 1150 metres atop the Mola d'Ares mountain. Neither Bob nor Joan had ever been here when it wasn’t raining so this was a definite first for them. Fantastic views with many Dolphins venturing to the very top to make the most of them.

The drive to Culla was memorable for the multiple sightings of vultures circling in groups of 20 or more, thankfully not directly above the Dolphin cars, but making for spectacular images. Another fabulous old town with a castle perched high on this 1200m mountain. Quote of the day must be Joe asking, “Why are all these b****y castles built so high, it makes it almost impossible to get to them!”

Monday.  Coastal walk in the morning for some, swim in the pool for others, tapas for lunch at the beach for all, swim in the sea for your fool (alone) and walk in the mountains and a look at the Hermitage, and position of the finish of Las Vuelta, for some in the afternoon.

Tuesday, fly home with excellent memories. Thanks particularly to Bob and Joan for making it happen and once again allowing us to invade your home. What an excellent few days and shows the very best of Dolphin, thanks everyone!

Three decent sets of dances and the weather held off. The audience were very appreciative of our dancing which was good. Big thanks to Emma Melville for coming all the way up from Nuneaton to ensure we had good consistent music.

No sticks tonight. The keeper-of-sticks had kept them in his garage and gone to Cornwall on holiday.

No matter, a good start was made at the Royal Oak in East Bridgford on a sloping surface where we danced at right angles to the slope and somehow managed to migrate UP the slope rather than down during the dance!

On to the excellent Black Horse in Caythorpe where there was an audience who had been expecting to see us in May, when we had to postpone because of the funeral of John Baxter, but had made a special point of returning tonight. 

Sticks were obtained by our Fool in the form of cocktail sticks in a rather fetching little ceramic pot but, when these were rejected by the rest of the side, the landlady found a number of attractive twigs which were gratefully put to use.

Another excellent tour with Ripley Morris. Good to see. in these times where many Ring sides are struggling for numbers, Ripley had 12 men dancing, a bit of a band playing and still a couple watching at one point!

A decent audience at the Boat in Cromford, though this pub is notoriously difficult to park close to, and some good dances.

Literally one man, one woman and two fabulous dogs made up the audience at the Cliff Inn, Crich. But it was, as always, an excellent spot and although many Dolphins disappeared early this year (presumably because Chipperfield weekend was to follow) there were songs afterwards from a number of Ripley men, from Clive and Martin (for Dolphin) and three songs from a guy sat in the bar.

A beautiful sunny evening on the banks of the river Soar. Dancing was great and a superb audience of diners, boaters and canoe-ers.

Then a short walk up the road to the Swan with the sky threatening rain, though it didn't quite deliver, which was pleasing. A good show to a small but appreciative audience including one birthday lady who joined is for the session afterwards. Tunes form Michael, Nick, Ian S and Martin and songs from Michael, Ian S, Wib, Clive (plus a rendition of Young Nell), Martin, and Nick.

Photos

A walking tour of Nottingham City, starting at Langtry's with an intermediate stop at the Orange Tree, finishing at the Lincolnshire Poacher.

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Photos

Another superb evening showcasing just some of the wonderful variety of Morris being performed in our area.

Sides present were:

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Mortimer's Morris - North West

Black Pig - Border

Makeney Morris - Cotswold

Charnwood Clog - Clog Stepping

Maids of Clifton - North West

Chip off the Old - Cotswold

Stone Monkey - Rapper

Lady Bay Revellers - Cotswold

First Class Stamp - Appalachian Clog Stepping

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PHOTOS

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PLUS 

Two teams of pupils from years 5 and 6 of Gotham Primary School who, after just a few lessons from members of Dolphin, were able to come out and give an excellent public performance of

Constant Billy, Headington and Getting Upstairs.

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Well done all of you, let's hope some of you continue.

The Martin's Arms at Colston Bassett was just as it always is.  

The Plough Inn at Hickling was an experiment (new owners) and it most certainly didn't disappoint. Enthusiastic audience, good dancing and excellent session afterwards - oh yes and good beer. What more could you want? Ian Stewart even made up a new tune on the hoof (to replace the one he'd forgotten) which fitted the made-up dance, "The Blessing" in the style of Ilmington, superbly and was arguably an improvement. Such talent in our ranks!  Let's hope he can remember it for the next time.

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Photos

We performed our Plough Play in January 2017 at four pubs (2 in Sutton Bonington and 2 in Gotham). Each performance had it's own unique style and each garnered different reactions from the punters.

Videos of each performance have just been donated to the web site and are here for your enjoyment should you feel so inclined

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Anchor SB

Kings Head SB

Sun Gotham

Cuckoo Bush Gotham

Kindly hosted, for the second year, by our Jigs' foreman Michael and his wife Judith at their Long Bennington home, this year Friday consisted of another successful evening at the Royal Oak in LB and was followed by a tour on the Saturday. 

Two shows in a wet Newark market place, followed by a very small but friendly crowd at the Stag, Barkston. Buffet and then a dance in the beer garden at the Waggon and Horses, Caythorpe. Bigger crowd at the Red Lion, Wellingore, and also at the Five Bells, Claypole.

A Saturday evening barbeque at Long Bennington was followed by a Sunday dance spot at the Rose and Crown Farndon for those left standing.

Last year both the Castle Donington pubs were rammed with punters on the night before Download. 

This year, The Chequered Flag (arguably the best little pub for miles around) was rammed and the huge crowd (for that was what it was) was superb,  really into the Morris and there to have a good time.  It felt like the evening was going to be amazing once again, but when we arrived at the Jolly Potters it was weirdly empty. Still, those that were there came out to support us, but it wasn't quite what we'd all hoped for. Perhaps everyone had stayed at home to ensure they could vote and would be coming to Download tomorrow?

The Jolly Sailor was doubling up as the polling station, now that is precisely where polling stations should be - in a pub! A good set of dances to a very small, almost none existent audience sadly.

So a mixed evening, it'd be nice to see the the Flag playing a bigger part next year, but Dolphin is a democracy just like the UK so anything could happen.

Photos

Chequered Flag

Jolly Potters

Jolly Sailor

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Dolphin will be staying in Long Bennington, Lincolnshire and dancing at the Royal Oak on Friday 9th May from about 9.00pm. There will likely be singing and merriment afterwards

On Saturday 10th they will  board a bus and travel around stopping at pubs in the area as follows:

                                10.00 Newark Market Place

                                12.00 The Stag, Barkston

                                13.15 Waggon and Horses, Caythorpe

                                15.00 Red Lion, Wellingore

                                16.15 Five Bells, Claypole​

then on Sunday 11th they will dance at the Rose and Crown, Farndon at about 11.00 am, energy permitting.

Our annual visit to Bradmore is always a delight, with a warm welcome from the many villagers who came out to watch our display near the plaque commemorating the arrest of morris men in 1618 for dancing in the village on the Sabbath*. On arriving at the Frame Breakers we were crestfallen to find the beer festival yet to start - the barrels racked up tantalisingly under a marquee fenced off! However, our spirits were soon lifted by the generous audience of outdoor punters and the dancing was followed by a rousing session inside with songs from just about everyone.

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* Bob Hine, who researched the profanities of those Morrice Dauncers in 1618 and arranged for the creation and placement of the Bradmore Plaque, was so enthused he was moved to write Great weather, great tour. Brilliant fronting Mike - well done. The audience demographics at Ruddington looked unpromising but it turned out to be one of the most congenial sessions for a while - or am I unduly influenced by the Hearty Goodfellow crowd this year?! Did I hear calls of More! after Vandals? Perhaps I dreamt that.... Bob

Hankies only tonight (after our Keeper of the Sticks accidentally kept them at home!) but another warm evening drew plenty of appreciative customers out into the courtyard of the Final Whistle to witness our show. The space by the outside seating at the Goodfellow is rather less conducive for dancing, being near the car park entrance, but we managed a few in between passing BMWs and Mercedes before retiring inside for pleasant undisturbed hour of tunes and songs.

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All activities need young blood to keep them going. This guide from Jump Start, aimed at primary school kids, is a nice handy and easy to digest summary to try and get them interested.

14 Dolphins were privileged to be a part of the celebration of the life of John Baxter in Cumbria today. Together with his wonderful family, and friends from so many walks of life, we enjoyed a day of celebration and joy for the life of a man who clearly contributed so much to the lives of all who were honoured to have known him. There were songs, there were poems, there were stories, there was beer and sunshine, there was laughter and fun. He would have been very proud.

In terms of the Morris, we performed one of his regular dittys (At the Rawtenstall Annual Fair) at his formal celebration and a set of dances at the pub afterwards, including Shepherd's Hey (requested by his daughter Kathy) and The Whitehaven Volunteer, a Fieldtown skirmish dance done to this tune simply because it was always JB's preferred tune for this dance.

His repertoire of songs and monologues was vast and we will try to keep performing as many as we can in his honour.

You will be missed, JB, but definitely not forgotten!

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Squire's tribute and our rendition of Rawtenstall Annual fair 

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David Evans' Instagram page pic of DMM dancing at JB celebration

Excellent afternoon and evening. Five Dolphins danced as Hayfield Morris Men in the afternoon to help keep this truly traditional, once a year Morris Processional dance (which actually hails from Hyde, but does go back the late 1800's) alive and leading the carnival procession - along with members of Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris and two true Hayfield residents.

Afterwards we were joined by more Dolphins to dance at five Derbyshire pubs on the way home and had a superb evening of dance.

George Hotel, Hayfield

Royal Hotel, Hayfield

Old Hall Hope

George Castleton

Nag's Head Edale

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VIDEO OF HAYFIELD MEN IN 1989 click here
approx 22 minutes and 10 seconds in

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Revival report from 1979

May 11, 2017

The tour planned for May 18th is cancelled to allow the majority of Dolphins to attend the Celebration of the Life of John Baxter in Cumbria. John was a founder member and second Squire of Dolphin Morris and sadly passed away recently.

This tour will now take place on July 20th.

May 10, 2017

An excellent evening at two superb pubs.

The first (York Chambers, Long Eaton) is a fabulous little micro-pub in the heart of Long Eaton and it was packed to the gunwales so we had a very enthusiastic audience loving every minute of every dance and lapping up every nuance. Cue the big aggressive guy from the flat above the pub. Apparently, when he moved in, he'd been told it would be quiet - presumably not realising it was above a pub in the middle of the busy town of Long Eaton - and objected to the noise of the dance in such a way as to completely ruin the atmosphere and the event for everyone else. We sang a "John Ball" in the pub before leaving to very rousing cheers, which can't have gone unnoticed in the flat above.

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Then on to the Star in Beeston. A new venue for Dolphin as far as I can remember but I am sure this won't be the last visit. Dance set went well outdoors including a (Fieldtown style) Skirmish dance done to the tune of The Whitehaven Volunteer as a tribute to the recently departed John Baxter - this was always his favoured tune for this dance. Inside we had a good session of music, song and monologues including The Rawtenstall Annual Fair from Andy and Three 'alf-pence a Foot from Clive - two of JB's regular dittys. 

John will be sadly missed, but we will ensure his spirit lives on!

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Video - Sherriff's Ride at the York Chambers

Video - Bobbing Around at the York Chambers

Video - Month of May (Wilson Walker) at York Chambers

For many years members of Dolphin Morris Men have helped keep alive the tradition of the Morris processional dance leading the longest continually running* May Queen Carnival in Derbyshire, by dancing as members of the Hayfield Morris Men.

In 2017 (the 90th year of the carnival) we will be expanding this event with a tour of Derbyshire's beautiful countryside and pubs (as Dolphin Morris) as follows:

4.00pm George Hotel, Hayfield

5.15pm Old Hall Hope

6.30pm George Castleton

7.30pm Nag's Head Edale

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* Just to be clear, that means the longest running in terms of it being an unbroken tradition for 90 years and running every year without a break throughout that time. It is neither making a claim that it is the longest in terms of physical length (though it is quite long) nor that those in the procession are continually running!

The Boat Inn in Lenton is a lovely little pub where we always dance inside and always get a good reception. This year was no exception, indeed in your humble web person's opinion this was probably one of the best evenings at this pub. Maybe it would be good to finish here one year?

At the Johnson Arms, unusually, there were very few customers and even fewer who wanted to come out and watch. In fairness it was a bit cold but normally here we have a packed audience even when it's raining.

As always a good session afterwards and excellent food provided by Zoe.

February 17, 2017

Dolphin were asked to perform a set of music, songs and monologues etc at our regular after-practice pub - The Cuckoo Bush, Gotham. 

A packed lounge full of diners gradually thinned out but an excellent evening was had by all.

Listen to some extracts here

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January 12, 2017

Dolphin's tours for 2017 are now available and a printed version of the tours list will be out soon.

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January 12, 2017

In came we - 4 times in one evening.

Two performances in Sutton Bonnington at the Anchor and then the Kings Head were greeted with real enthusiasm by different types of audience at both pubs. So we reached the Sun Inn in Gotham on quite a high only to be brought straight down to earth with tumbleweed rolling around the bar and those that were there preferring to bury their faces into their mobile phones (no doubt looking up the answer to the quiz for which we were the half time entertainment).

A small, but definitely  enthusiastic, audience at the Cuckoo Bush restored our spirits and we ended the evening with a good performance followed by convivial chat plus some music and song.

Anchor SB

Kings Head SB

Sun Gotham

Cuckoo Bush Gotham

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A very enjoyable Plough Thursday evening on the whole.

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September 30, 2016

First day of October and despite the weather forecasts it was a superb start and the first set at 1.15 was excellent, including a hen party joining in Bonny Green and Michael accidentally  breaking a stick in front of two young children. Luckily our other Fool was available as a calming influence and we avoided being sued by their parents.  We retired to the VAT and Fiddle for lunch and a few impromptu dances, and on returning for our second set the heavens opened and after one dance all we could manage was to shelter under a canopy and sing joyous songs to keep our spirits up until the weather abated sufficient to dash for a bus or tram home. 

Google Animation 1

Google Animation 2

September 16, 2016

Glorious English Summer day and traditional English entertainment for the opening of the restored Village Well at Gotham.

We were very short on numbers with a few crying off last minute through illness or family issues, but we put on two good shows interspersing the Punch and Judy, Shire Horse parade and of course the excellent display of Maypole and Morris Dancing from the children of Year 6 at Gotham Primary School.

Rather a long break between first and second stop, but there was plenty to do looking at the British Gypsum display, classic cars etc or just relaxing in the pub

.

September 06, 2016

A number of Dolphins went back to school this afternoon to teach, and enthuse about the Morris, a group of year 6 pupils at Gotham School in preparation for a side to dance at the Gotham Heritage day in the village on Sunday 18th September. 

It was their first day back after the summer break and they were all superbly attentive, enthusiastic and seemingly naturally talented. Many of the more senior Dolphins had better watch out!

They will be performing at the Heritage Day and hopefully will be enthusiastic enough to carry on a Morris dancing club after school and maybe develop a young person’s side. Watch this space.

September 02, 2016

A big 'thank you' to East Suffolk MM who hosted an excellent weekend of fellowship and dance at 353rd Meeting of the Morris Ring held in Framlingham village and environs. Dolphin MM were to be seen performing at Orford and Rendlesham villages as well as part of the spectacular massed displays at Aldeburgh sea front and (on Sunday) on Market Hill in Framlingham where we were privileged to witness the handing over of the mantle of Squire of the Morris Ring from Adam Garland of East Suffolk to Eddie Worrall of the redoubtable Saddleworth Morris Men. A great time was had by all.

July 27, 2016

The final Thursday tour of the 2016 dancing season saw us walking from the Star, via the Cuckoo Bush to the Sun Inn in Gotham.

A bit of a worrying start with only 4 dancers and a musician for the first 15 minutes, but as the evening went on more Dolphins seemed to attach themselves to the main pod.

Cuckoo Bush provided the best audience of the evening and we had a reasonable session in the Sun after dancing.

What a quick year!

July 20, 2016

A joint tour with our guests Anstey Royale Chalfont.

First stop Waterside Inn Mountsorrel. Early arrivers were treated to a tour of Andante (Dave Walters' boat) which was moored outside.

An idyllic setting on the side of the canal could potentially have been marred by a guy cutting concrete slabs in the garden opposite - but he kindly stopped for the duration of the dancing and we put on a most decent show.

The Swan, just up the road, is an excellent setting for the Morris and we were made very welcome with two large jugs of ale provided by the landlady and a really good session of song, music and monologues in the bar afterwards.

There is a surviving photograph of six young Morris men taken shortly before the outbreak of the Great War. They are standing on what appears to be a village green and resplendent in matching flannels with bells and ribbons tied to their calves. Each man brandishes a pair of large white handkerchiefs hanging by their sides .........

July 13, 2016

Danced at Boat Inn Cromford and Cliff Inn Crich with Ripley Morris as our guests. No report available but last year was superb, with a particularly excellent "after dance" session in the Cliff Inn.

Let's hope this year was as good. :-)

July 06, 2016

First off our annual return to Bradmore village, where a plaque marks where Morris men were arrested for dancing on a Sabbath in 1618. A warm welcome as ever from the parishioners and a small but enthusiastic audience whooping at every leap! Then on to The Frame Breakers in Ruddington, new Nottingham Ales venture (the Rock Mild was spectacular), for a lively set to a few appreciative customers and onlookers outside. A pleasant evening of dancing, but no session this time - Euros semifinal on the telly and some of the men said they were a bit tired...Rock & Roll!

July 02, 2016

A truly delightful sunny afternoon of canal side dancing at this picturesque setting. Numerous morris sides of different hues performing on both sides of the canal - outside the pub and the Canal Museum opposite. What could be better? A big 'thank you' to our hosts. Must do it again sometime!

June 29, 2016

Low key start at Bunkers Hill, competing with a noisy generator, but small appreciative audience got added treat of table-top fiddle jig from our Squire. Weekday Cross deserted, but made most welcome across the road at Cross Keys where the landlady rewarded the lads with a tray of beer. And the plough play at The News House? - well, we'll let the audience be the judge of that particular thespian display!

Video of Squire's Table dance below.

June 22, 2016

The rain held off and performances from Dolphin and friends including Lady Bay Revellers, Stone Monkey,  Charnwood Clog,  Sullivan's Sword, Chip of the Old, Black Pig, Way of the Wyrd, Makeney, Maids of Clifton and First Class Stamp made for an excellent evening.

June 15, 2016

Torrential rain en-route gave way to damp conditions but no rain. This meant dancing in the road at Martin’s Arms, as grass would have been lethal, and amazingly a very healthy number of men, women and dogs came out to watch and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the Nags Head, rather less so. This is a very foodie pub now and it was very difficult to get more than a few interested, although the Brownies (cakes, as opposed to miniature Girl Guides) were delicious.

On to the Crown and Plough at Long Clawson where we did have a fantastic crowd including a young girl who showed more than a little aptitude and enthusiasm. Hopefully she’ll join the junior wing of New St. George. In BGG there were at least as many audience members as Dolphins. Good stop.

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June 10, 2016

There was dancing and a music and singing session at the Royal Oak on Friday, followed by dancing in Newark and at 5 village pubs on Saturday, then an excellent barbecue on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, we danced indoors at the Rose and Crown, Farndon. A good turnout, good dancing, good fellowship, and a hell of a lot of beer and good food.

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PHOTOS FROM WEEKEND

June 08, 2016

If we had planned this tour to coincide with Download it would have been a stroke of timing genius, as it was it was a stroke of brilliant luck.

Started at the Chequered Flag, arguably the best pub in Donington, followed by a crowded and very enthusiastic reception at the Jolly Potters. It had been planned as a walking tour of Donington until the cliff behind the Cross Keys collapsed and we needed to find an alternative final pub.

The Jolly Sailor Hemmington, after years in the doldrums, has very recently reopened and been given a new lease of life by the new owners and is showing definite promise to regain its former glory. After the dancing was possibly the best singing session of the season so far.

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PHOTOS FROM JOLLY POTTERS

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PHOTOS FROM JOLLY SAILOR

May 31, 2016

Two very contrasting pubs in Leicester on this Wednesday evening as guests of Anstey Morris. The Dry Dock just doesn’t look like a pub, in fact it looks like an old shack hardly visible from the road. Inside it is a huge old ship’s hull and was packed with end-of-exam students (halls of residences are just behind) many of whom came out to watch after some gentle persuasion. But it was cold and most of the ladies were not really dressed for the outdoors.

The Craddock is a more typical Morris pub. Excellent dancing outside and a great session inside. Anstey are hopeful of a new young recruit (Rob) and his girlfriend is considering seeking out Black Annis to dance with, who are there next night.

If you needed a good reason to come and join us how about this recent research from Western Sydney University’s School of Science and Health.  See – news for the ABC Report.  The main claim is that dancing lowers risk of heart disease for people aged over 40 who dance by almost 50%.

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"It's hard to get men to sort of take up dancing in my eyes, I think a lot of them prefer to go and have a few beers and that," Mr McNamara (an Aussie bloke) said. "But they don't really know what the consequences are because they haven't been through the mill, they drink too much and they're full of all that grog and they're not sweating it out."

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Morris allows you to "have a few beers and that" as well as improving your health, so you can be smug and have fun at the same time. Come and join us!

May 25, 2016

Not the walking tour as first thought but inspired choices by Chris Gigg. Hearty Goodfellow, excellent pub and superbly enthusiastic audience mainly from Brooksby College and the local Harley Davidson fanciers’ club or some such.

Final Whistle, similar story nice pub, excellent beer and good dancing area. Michael performs a Headington Jig on top of an upturned barrel, almost proving his famous teaching point that it should be possible to do it on a dinner plate.

There was a packed session in the bar afterwards that sounded like it would be wall to wall playing. I can’t tell you how that went I am afraid.

May 18, 2016

Excellent tour

Royal Oak East Bridgford. First visit here for many a year in the home village of Mr Nick Murphy. Not the best of weather but with some gentle coaxing from the little Dolphin (Dilly was the name chosen by tonight’s punters) the crowds flocked to watch.

The Black Horse Caythorpe never disappoints as an excellent dance spot and session in the bar afterwards. This year was no exception

May 13, 2016

Four Dolphins were part of the Hayfield Morris Men side to dance at this year's Hayfield carnival.

Eight dancers, two musicians and a bloke with one arm banging the drum. This was probably the best Hayfield I’ve attended (and they’ve all been good) and the weather was excellent (which it normally isn’t).

It would be great if more Dolphins felt able to join this, the longest (continuously) running carnival procession in the UK and a true tradition which deserves keeping.

Photos possibly to follow, if I get sent any

May 11, 2016

An excellent Thursday night started off at the Marina Bar in Beeston, which is always a great spot by the river with keen audience, and then the new “risk” pub was the York Chambers in Long Eaton. This is a newly opened (December 2005) micro pub, sister to Castle Donnington’s Chequered Flag. Everyone, without exception, came out to watch and cheer.  The beer and the location were superb.  

A must visit pub

26th May 2016

8.00pm Hearty Goodfellow

9.00pm Final Whistle There is also a folk session there that night, so it  should be a good evening.

What a beautiful warm sunshiny day, right up till 4 o'clock when our first spot was to start. Then the heavens opened, thunder, lightning, hail, floods, pestilence – well perhaps not quite that but it was pretty biblical weather. I'd have gladly paid more than three ha'pence a foot for some decent birds-eye maple I can tell you. However moving the set under a covered walkway, where the audience was trapped by said weather, proved a masterstroke and we performed three excellent sets of dances and were, it would seem, well appreciated.

Google photos image folder here

After 30 years Dancing England is being revived

Not at the Derby Assembly Rooms, as 1979 to 1987, but at Sheffield City Hall on Saturday 18th February 2017

Can it really be 30 years since the last one, look here to see what was happening then

May 04, 2016

The Boat and the Johnson Arms is always an excellent tour, particulary when we have the superb, award winning, Whip the Cat with us.

The session afterwards did not disappoint, and especially memorable was our Squire Wil Walker’s singing of McCarthy's Party with his backing group the Wilettes, consisting of Jill and adoring members of Whip the Cat for whom Wil also plays fiddle.

May 01, 2016

A good turnout, great variety to the dance sets / entertainment and decent sized, enthusiastic crowds enjoying the show PLUS manly stuff like oil, grease and working engine parts

What's not to like?

After the JMO, Papplewick May Queen and Sutton Bonnington Fest  as early season tasters, our first Thursday night tour is with Whip the Cat at The Boat, Lenton and followed by the Johnson Arms Lenton on Thursday 5th May.

There won't be updates for every event, but facebook, twitter, where's wally, tours lists and the upcoming events app on every page of this web site (and the mobile version) all mean there is no excuse for missing out on the Dolphin Experience.

Some members of Dolphin are hoping to be joining either Packington Morris Men by Breedon Church or Ratteljag at Laxton Ancient Castle Mound at the unerathly hours of 5.30 and 5.00 am respectively on May 1st to welcome in the Summer.

Once you are up it's worth the effort - honestly!

April 22, 2016

Always a good event. Not the best this year though mainly because there was sadly no finale. Having been telling everyone throughout the day that there would a superb massed display of all the dancers at the castle mound at the end of the day I may well have misrepresented it and many would have been disappointed.

Highlight was the procession of gosling families queuing up to go for a swim

The new season is about to start - early this year again.

See us dancing with loads of other sides at the JMO meeting in York on April 23rd

See a timetable of events here

Our new  tours list has just gone off to print. All the events we'll be doing (excluding those we don't yet know about) are on the tours and event page and 2016 tours page.

A very Happy New Year from and to all Dolphins - current, old, new or just mildly interested.

Our "now traditional" Plough Play is, sadly, only being performed once this year and that at a private paid gig - a phychoanalyists' ball. It should certainly provide some useful source material for debate and analysis!

The Carols and Mid Winter songs evening at The Sun Inn in Gotham was great fun and marks the end of 2015 practice season.

So have a good Christmas and New Year celebrations and we look forward to seeing you in 2016 - maybe even some new recruits, who knows! First practise jan 5th (Tuesday not Thursday)

Of course a few of us will be blowing away the boxing day cobwebs with Packington Morris Men and guests at the Bull and Lion Packington. It's a good do if you fancy a trip out

The 2016 Jigs Instructional is now fully subscribed, but, in an attempt to console those who may have left it too late to join the merry band of jig pixies this time round, Tony Foard cordially invites expressions of interest for the 2017 Jigs Instructional, which is provisionally scheduled for 20-22nd January

Keen to learn some jigs or just polish up your style?

The annual Jigs instructional (which Dolphin ran for many years) is at Sutton Bonington Village Hall over the weekend of 15th January.

A superb excuse to dance, meet old friends, drink beer and sing and play at the Kings Head.

For an application form click on the title of this update.

If you are looking for a Men's Cotswold side to join we'd love to hear from you, or just turn up at Kingston Village Hall any Thursday - you'd be made very welcome.

Tours for 2018 dancing-out season have now been agreed and published.

2018 is our 50th anniversary and there may well be more events added, so watch this space.

We are holding a Re-union for all former and current members on Saturday 10th March from 8pm.   
If we have not already contacted you please contact us for details at
Bagman@Dolphin-Morris.co.uk.

We've now started practising in earnest for next season on Thursday nights. Kingston-upon-Soar village hall is not far from J 24 of the M1. 7.45pm start for Jigs practice, with main practice starting in earnest at 8.30.

A ten o'clock finish allows time to get to the pub (usually The Sun Inn, Gotham or Kings Head, Sutton Bonnington) for a pint and some music or a chat.  

The Annual Morris Ring Jigs Instructional will be held at Sutton Bonington from Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2018