On Sunday August 13, on a very hot day in Rye Harbour, there was a wonderful session of Morris dancing at The William the Conqueror pub. There was an appreciative audience including one little four-year old who snuck into their group photo and danced along to the catchy melodies.
Judith Ruffhead, Squire of Romney Marsh Morris Dancing, told me all about this group: “Our side is a young side, in comparison with many others, having been formed only six years ago. We are based in New Romney, but have members who travel in from Hastings, Maidstone and Folkestone. We are a mixed side, men and women from all walks of life, and we have dancers and musicians of all abilities, experience and ages. We also have social members, who are our supporters.
“Practice takes from October to April in New Romney, and then we dance out during the summer months, throughout Romney Marsh and further afield. In September we are “on tour” to Essex, for a weekend. We often retire to the pub after events and make music and sing. We also take part in festivals and events. This year we will be dancing as part of the Folkestone Festival and Airshow, later this month, and then at the Maldon Regatta, and in the Light Up New Romney lantern event, later this year.
“We raise funds for a chosen charity each year, and this year it is Romney Marsh Community Hub, who are committed to the health and wellbeing of those aged over 50+ and who have a range of services to support people to live full and independent lives in their own home.”
The group is always on the lookout for new members, and likes to offer taster sessions to those who are interested, which are called bootcamps, usually a series of evenings over five or six weeks. This enables people to go and meet the group, learn a couple of basic dances, and see if they like it enough to join up. The side is also keen to recruit new musicians who play traditional instruments, especially accordion, melodeon and fiddle players.
The next bootcamp will begin on Wednesday September 28 in New Romney. People would be very welcome to join in. The cost is just £1 and participants do not need to have any experience: just enthusiasm!
There is a Facebook page and website for contact details.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .