CALLING ALL MORRIS DANCERS

You too can enjoy the fun of the Nine Days Wonder. There has already been interest expressed in the event by TV, Radio and the Press, and Tim would like to maximise the positive impact by inviting all Morris Dancers to join him on the diffferent legs of the journey, either for a short stretch or a nice long stretch.

If you would like to be kept informed of what is going on, please send your email to either Tim or Woodside's Dave D, and we will strive to keep you up to date with where and when each leg of the journey will be taking place, and when any special events take place to celebrate or promote the event.

Tim FitzHigham's
Nine Days Wonder

28 June to 7 July 2008

Nine Days Wonder Home

Tim Gets His Kit Out

One of the first questions we put to Tim, when he disclosed his intentions to us at our first meeting, was what would he be wearing for the dance: did he want particular baldrics; white shoe or black, trousers or breeches? Tim had already given the idea minimal thought though, and replied immediately that he would be dancing in a reproduction of the outfit worn by Will Kemp in the famous wood cutting created to record the original nine days wonder.

Having dabbled in theatricals, Tim is no stranger to historical costumery, and called upon the knowledge of his friend Jane Walton, of the company 'Hands on History', who, as well being a costume maker for festivals, theatre, television and film, is also a clothing historian, with special knowledge of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods.

Hands on History provide educational events that bring history to life, enabling people to see and feel how their ancient, and less ancient counterparts lived in ye olde worlde.

Janey took to the task with some gusto, recreating Kemp's costume to a T, and figuring out very quickly what those strange things hanging from Kemp's arms were (hands?): apparantly a false sleeve that formed an essential part of fashionable day wear at the time.

The only part of the costume that Tim has compromised with is the footware, for which he will be waring trainers in order to preserve knee function over the 147 miles of the trek.

As can be discerned from the two images here, Janey has done a great job in putting the kit together, and Tim is certain to turn a few heads on his way to Norwich, though not always for the most charitable of reasons! Keep an eye out for our intrepid Morris apprentice on his long journey; it may turn out not just to be fun, but could also prove educational at the same time!