Aynho Apricots

Who we are and what we do

Formed in Aynho in 1987, we are a ladies Morris side dancing traditional English dances from the Cotswolds and Welsh borders. Our name derives from the local tradition of growing apricots up the cottage walls. We perform both stick and hanky dance, and sing the odd song or two. On May Day we dance a traditional longsword dance, the circle of swords represting the unbroken cycle of life, death and rebirth and on St George's Day we perform a traditional mummers play about St George and the Dragon. We wear white blouses and skirts with a blue cummerbund and blue and yellow baldrick. When performing dances from the Welsh borders we wear blue and yellow raggy jackets or tatters. Why do we do it? It's FUN!! We keep fit, have a laugh, meet up with other morris sides and are part of a living, evolving tradition. This is not historical re-enactment - this is the REAL THING! Where do we do it? From September to June we practice every Wednesday night from 8pm at the Baptist Church hall in Kings Sutton, and from there we usually go on the the Butchers Arms for some much needed refreshment. In June and July we swap the church hall for dancing out at local pubs where we are joined by other morris sides. Throughout the year we dance out at many events, village fetes, folk festivals etc. though we always take August off as we really need a rest by then!!!!

Contacts

Would you like to book us for an event? School fete? Music festival? Wedding? etc. If so, please contact out Bagman: Ren: 01280 840219 email ren_thomp1 [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk We are always looking for new members - dancers (female) and musicians (we're not fussy!!) If you would like to join us, please contact our squire: Kate: 01280 700212