THE age old tradition of morris dancing is very much alive and kicking in Warrington.
Thelwall Morris Men have been around since 1973 and are now planning a special day of dance on Saturday October 1.
Known traditionally as a “side” the group originated within the folk club based at the Pickering Arms in Thelwall and as well as dancers are ably supported by a merry band of musicians.
Group spokesman Kevin Farrell said: “We decided many years ago to be a men’s team but welcome enquiries from partners, wives etc who wish to learn more to persuade their male partner to join!!
Kevin added: “Morris Dancing itself goes back many hundreds of years and is enjoyed in many parts of the world. Thelwall Morris Men regularly travel to other parts of England to join with fellow Morris Men for weekends of dance. We recently spent a very enjoyable weekend in Rutland.
The group is hosting their own Day of Dance when they will be joined by Morris teams from Yorkshire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Derbyshire, dancing in various locations around Warrington.
Being very community focused the group also given instructional sessions to local groups including Scouts, Guides, Women’s Institutes and schools.
Kevin added: ” We are the sole custodians of the Lymm Morris dance which was revived after many years research in the 1970s.
“The dance is performed at the Lymm May Queen and Lymm Rushbearing and is considered to be a collector’s item in the Morris Dance world!”
The group practice on Wednesday evenings in Thelwall Parish Hall at 8.15pm. New dancers and musicians are always welcome to turn up and enjoy maintaining an English tradition.
For more information on Thelwall Morris visit their website www.thelwallmorris.org.uk
Pictures show Thelwall Morrismen at the annual Lymm Rushbearing Festival.
