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

7 July 2008

Nine Days Wonder Home

The Ninth Wonder - Hingham to Norwich

The final day, and as the excitement mounts, our intrepid East Anglian correspondent, Peter Mayne, takes over the blog for the last day, and descirbes Tim's triumphant entry into Norwich, and the annals of Morris history.

Well, he's done it. Maybe a little sore, and certainly very tired, but I am pleased to report that Tim has arrived safely in the fine City of Norwich.

I met Tim at 12:30 near the University of East Anglia, which is to the West of Norwich, about three miles or so from where he crossed the finish line. We live a fair way from the UEA and so my good lady wife, Bev, dropped me off and then went into Norwich to park, shop, and meet up with us later. But mostly shop.

So with the A-Z under the arm, the melodeon strapped on my back, and my cape wedged down my waistband, off we went. The weather forecast had been rather depressing, suggesting heavy rain, but in the event we had a good 'run' into the City Centre, with sun and blue skies. Our reception, as we made our stately progress, was rather mixed. Although Tim did not don his doublet until we were in the centre, his attire was, to say the least, bright and stunning, and few run of the mill pedestrians dance along accompanied by a morris man playing a melodeon. Nonetheless some people we passed simply looked briefly sideways and passed on as if we were normal passers-by! Not an 'Oh there goes a Tudor man dancing the Wild Morris' to be had. Others greeted us warmly, having read the local press or heard Tim on Radio Norfolk. Some motorists found us a great excuse to sound their horns.

In the fine tradition of Will Kemp's first 'Wonder', we stopped briefly at one pub before getting to the City boundary - for Tim to have a pint of water ! Yes really.

It is remarkable just how many different tunes you can get through on a relatively short journey. Horses Brawl, Old Woman, plus the Bampton Processional repertoire (Banbury Bill, Rose Tree, Highland Mary, Bobbing Around), Valentine, Banks of the Dee, and of course Kemp's Jig.

On reaching the inner ring road, close to Kemp's finish at St Gile's church, we met two ladies from Bury Fair, who had danced with Tim in Lavenham, earlier in the week. Coincidentally they had been rescued by a Kemps Man (Martin) who found them lost at a roundabout, on his way to a concert. Being a gallant sort of chap, he carried all their paraphernalia even though he was on a cycle. He also obliged by taking a few photographs. Wait and see...

We reached the City centre. After some panic phone calls we were joined by members of Tim's team at City Hall. Tim now put on all his gear - doublet and hat - looking every bit 'Will'. As we processed now the team were taking lots and lots of photographs. Bev appeared at this stage, pleased to find us, having traced the route back from the Bishop's House. Unfortunately, the rain which had been forecast, now made its heralded appearance. Out came the cape. I would like to say that the rain was refreshing - it was not!! However we took shelter in the 'Wig and Pen' - which Woodside members will remember from Win's Day in April. This is only 5 minutes walk from the Bishop's Garden but shelter was required and the landlord forced a pint of beer on Tim, so we all took refreshments.

As we were sheltering, we were informed by a Whiffler that the Lord Mayor had arrived in the Bishop's Garden. A Whif... A what? Whifflers are part of the ceremonial of Norwich's Lord Mayor. This one was dressed in tudor costume. Also a Kemp, he had guessed correctly where we were !!

Miraculously as we set off across the Palace Road to the Bishop's Garden it stopped raining. We processed into the Garden to 'Kemp's Jig', although I guess technically speaking, Tim had long since been beyond the jig stage of dancing. There to welcome us were the Lord Mayor and his lady, plus a number of Kemps (most in civic ceremonial costume). You will be pleased to know that after the greeting and hand shaking, Tim joined us in 'Old Woman Tossed Up In a Blanket'. So Tim concluded his 9 Dais Wonder in the manner he began. To continue the spirit of the occasion, Nigel performed the Illmington jig, Nelson's Praise, and Patrick, Bleddington 'Lumps of Plum Pudding'. A fitting end.

And so to a well deserved rest. For me as much as for Tim!

See Tim's thoughts on the Day on FitzHigham.com