With May just around the corner, a customary dance seen throughout the month is Morris dancing. It is a traditional English form of folkdancing, performed by groups of men or women.
Berkshire Bedlam, a renowned Cotswold Morris dance team from Wokingham will be performing at the town’s May Fayre on Monday. Formed in 1977 they perform a wide range of dances, some based on the legendary Leafield dances of Oxfordshire while the majority are original compositions.
To date more than 40 dancers have performed with the team, and hopefully all have enjoyed their time in the side, as the team has always found a way to make their performances entertaining and fun for both spectators and performers. As a consequence, over the 40 years the side has consistently been invited to perform at high profile events, and on several occasions has performed overseas including the USA.
They are always happy to welcome new members. They practice on Thursday evenings at the Scout Hut, Evendons Lane, Wokingham, RG41 4DX.
For more information, call Malcolm Major on 07715 294568, email berkshirebedlam.org or visit www.berkshirebedlam.org
Another local group is Hurst Morris People. Their controversial creation in February 1989 caused opposition, criticism and even outrage at the time for being a mixed group. The side, affectionately known as HuMP, was formed by Rose and Chris Taylor of Hurst village. All those years later they are still here, thriving, and with Chris still one of their dancers.
Rose and Chris decided to set up a group for both men and women. “With few mixed teams at the time, we had opposition and criticism,” said Rose. “We aimed for something new and open in its outlook. All this was considered quite outrageous.
“HuMP has gone on to grow, happily creating outrage and loads of enjoyment for its own performers and their audiences. HuMP is passionate about keeping the ancient tradition of Morris dancing rooted in the community.”
They perform around their Hurst village base, near Reading, and in Berkshire and its nearby counties, dancing at village and church fetes and events like Hurst Show and Country Fair and Henley Show. They also perform at old folks’ homes, harvest suppers and MENCAP clubs.
Their 2023 season starts with the following performances:
- Wednesday, 3rd May, 7.45pm: The Jolly Farmer, Davis Street, Hurst, RG10 0TH. (With Theale Tattoo step clog dancers).
- Thursday, 11th May, 8pm: The Ship inn, Wokingham, RG40 1XH. (With Berkshire Bedlam).
- Thursday, 11th May, 9pm: The Queen’s Head, Wokingham RG40 1BP. (With Shinfield Shambles).
- Thursday, 25th May, 8pm: The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way, Hurst, RG10 0TR.
- Monday 29th May (Bank Holiday), 10am to 5pm: National Transport Trust Vintage Transport Festival, Fawley Hill, Fawley, Henley, RG9 6JA.
Why not try their free taster sessions at Hurst Village Hall. The taster sessions in 2023 are on September 21st and 28th, at 8pm at Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst, RG10 0DR.
HuMP’s chosen charity for 2023 is Katharine House Hospice. Katharine House provides specialist palliative care for adults with an incurable illness across north Oxfordshire and south Northamptonshire.
For more information, visit www.hump.org.uk or email Contact@hump.org.uk
