ALVECHURCH MORRIS

 

        

 Alvechurch Morris were formed in 1989 by a group of men from the village to put on a display at the local school fete. Having enjoyed the experience they decided to keep dancing and are still going strong.  Originally all the members of the side were from the village or had a strong link to it, although this criteria for membership has been relaxed the side still retains its feeling of a village side.

        We dance in the style of the Welsh Border Morris which is the local tradition in the county of Worcestershire where Alvechurch are based. Our repertoire is made up from our interpretation of the collected dances, our own dances, in the traditional simple style, which includes the much copied Smithy, along with a couple taught to the side by The Paradise Islanders ( one of the first revivalist sides to dance the tradition ).

         Our kit consists of brown corduroy trousers, a collarless shirt, a rag jacket made to an individuals own design and colour scheme accompanied by working boots and a formal hat. We also blacken our faces as a form of disguise. 

        During the year we can be seen dancing out at various local hostalries  often accompanied by other sides. We also attend a couple of festivals during the summer and other events put on by other sides. One of the main events is held on New Year's Day when we perform our mumming play, based on a traditional play but with an added topical character or event. We also dance out in the village on St George's Day and plough Monday.

           St George preparing to battle the 'Mighty Beast'

If you a budding dancer or musician and have ever wanted to try border morris now is the ideal time to come along, as we are now practicing for next years events. We practice in Alvechurch on Monday nights from 8.30pm until 10.00pm. For more information please contact Doug doug.scrivens@hotmail.co.uk  or Derek derek.doric2@firenet.uk.net . ( Please note that we are a male only side. As most of our danceouts are at licenced premises we have adopted a general over 18 policy. Accompanied Under 18's may be admitted).  

For more information on inviting us out please contact Doug for details at doug.scrivens@hotmail.co.uk   . Please note that we do not normally dance at fetes, open days, weddings, etc. 

Follow the link to John James slide show, http://www.johnjames.net/black/index.html to view his compilation of pictures set to our musicians in full swing.

Alvechurch Morris 1989

Alvechurch Morris 2009

                                                         Martyn"Posh"Reed    Bob Salmon*    Dave Ward*   Steve Palmer 

                                                                 Chris Davies                                               Dayrell Pelling

                                                                                    Andy Hopkins                           Bob Hopwood

                                                                                                                                              Brock*

         Charlie Simmonds*  Graham Clark*  Steve Thompson* Andy Humphries* Martin Wright*   Derek Ambler   Stuart Coomber

                * Original Members