We are a Cotswold Morris side from Holt, Wiltshire (near to Bath, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham). We started dancing in 1989. We perform a broad mix of Cotswold Morris styles, though many of our dances are based on a liberal interpretation of the Fieldtown morris tradition. We have also borrowed generously from other Cotswold Morris sides.
Holt Morris are always looking to recruit new members, dancers and musicians from the surrounding area. We were formed as a Men’s side, but are transitioning into a mixed side and have already welcomed two lady members. We are pleased to welcome ANYONE who wants to give Morris dancing a try, get some good exercise, join our social activities and, yes, enjoy the odd drink while we are at it…
So if you are interested, get in touch via our contact page and we’ll help you with details of our practices.
NEWS
JAMES’ AND LINDA’S WEDDING. AUG 8TH
My broken ankle mitigated totally against my attendance and participation in this event. However I have it on very good authority that it was a great day. Martin’s photos show that the lads enjoyed their contribution with a will, whether or not anyone else did.
James is an erstwhile enthusiastic member of the squad unfortunately (for us) posted away for 18 months or so. However he is back, and was foolish enough, despite what I am sure were loud and long protestations from Linda, to invite us to their big day at Church Farm, Kington Langley.
The boys enjoyed themselves as is evident from Martin’s photos and Linda must have enjoyed it enough to allow James back with us later in the Summer. We look forward to that (he is so much younger than most of us) and look forward to seeing Linda with us socially whenever the novelty of the younger man wears off.
Congratulations both.
A FILLIP FROM THE SQUIRE!
HM members (and, of course, others who may be interested). Firstly, thanks again to Chris for booking this splendid pub as a dance-out (The Three Magpies, Sells Green). What more could you want for a good night out? A welcoming pub Landlady, good weather, an enthusiastic crowd and a good music and singing session. This really does not get any better. It certainly gives testament to why Holt Morris has lasted so long; the side is now enjoying the impetus of new members enhancing performance with their enthusiasm and developing our enjoyment of these dance-out occasions.
I cycled home on a rather chilly evening, but with the beautiful full "blue moon" so bright that it cast my cycling shadow across the road.
Strong dance sessions at "Wimborne" and "The Village Pump" have made this another good year for HM.
To those who are going to James’ wedding, I will see you there. To those who cannot make it, I hope you have a good August break and look forward to seeing you fully invigorated in September.
Patrick (Squire of Holt Morris)
LADIES NIGHT
Every year Holt Morris dancers and musicians take their partners to dinner to say “thank you” for being allowed out regularly and coming back in poor shape as often as not.
This year’s dinner, at The Old Ham Tree, was long on amiability and short on speeches – just the way we like it. Patrick Cousins received the Transparency Award from the out-going Squire, Terry Hopkins, and from that point on all your reporter can remember is a full tummy and a gentle alcoholic haze . . .
( As a matter of record, Patrick’s award, in the gift of the squire, was, of course, for his outstanding contribution to the well-being of the side during Squire Hopkins’ year of tenure, albeit that in his capacity as "Communications Co-ordinator", Patrick had been instrumental in developing transparency within the squad, as Terry had alluded to in his pithy retiring address to the assembled company. Ed.)