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| Sunday 23 March, 2008 |
The general Morris revival during the 70s was very much generated through an explosion in the number of women’s teams dancing. The families involved with Woodside included a number of women dancers who had formed a side and the two teams regularly danced together at events. Problems arose, however, when Woodside held their annual Feast, or Ale. Traditionally, Woodside had always opened their Ale up to other members of the Morris Ring, an association of male Morris clubs. Most members of the club wanted the Ale to remain in this format, meaning that women’s or mixed teams were not able to attend. These days, having a single sex club of either gender is not seen as an attempt to suppress the other, but at that time, when radical feminism and the reactionary response it engendered were equally insensitive to the mainstream majority, otherwise unconcerned bystanders could find themselves drawn into a quarrel that's purpose was more political than benevolent. As a result, a picket line appeared at Woodside's 1984 feast, with disaffected members of the club, their wives and other women protesters in attendance. Eventually, following a special meeting, a number of members chose to leave Woodside and form Phoenix Morris: initially an all-male side but now dancing as a mixed side, based in Rickmansworth. Thankfully for Woodside, the overall membership was strong enough to absorb the loss, and within a few years membership was back to healthy levels. In the late 70s and early 80s, Woodside developed relationships with a number of local teams, such as the women's Northwest Clog sides, Whitethorn and Flowers of May, and the now defunct men's clog side, Old Bull. A number of members of Old Bull also danced or played with Woodside. Switching from a yearly day of dance to an evening Ale Night also helped develop closer ties with local Cotswold sides, such as Grand Union, Aldbury and Towersey. In the mid 1980s, the side started on a tradition that is still one of our most popular annual events: the weekend away. Although the side are often involved in weekend events, the weekend away is organised purely for the team's own enjoyment, along with their families. In the last ten years, the side has broadened its horizons further, becoming involved in festivals and events across the country (and Europe!). The Mummers Play has recently been revived, and the side is as busy as ever, with local and touring events, school and club involvement, encouraging the continuation of England’s folk tradition. |
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Morris Dancing is an aerobic form of dance which provides healthy exercise and social activity. Woodside's Foreman, Dave Pearse, is an expert instructor, having trained Morris Dancers, both new and experienced, for over twenty years, as well as being a folk dancer of nearly four decades' experience. During the Winter, Woodside Morris Men meet at 8.00pm on Wednesday nights in the Colne River Rooms at the Pump House Arts Centre Watford. You would be most welcome to come along. |
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