A bit of History about NW Clog Morris

NW Clog Morris derives from the processional dance traditions that evolved in Lancashire and Cheshire in the early 19th century.

There is a parallel but separate dance tradition of Step-clog dancing. This involves fast and intricate steps performed wearing clogs with wooden soles (ideally made of ash wood) and leather uppers - but without the rubbers or irons of the North West tradition.

Whilst in the 19th century the North West sides would consist mostly of men, in the early part of the 20th century more women became involved in Morris Dancing, probably as a result of the toll the wars had on the male population. During this time teams tended to be formed from the employees of textile mills and other local factories. In its heyday North West Morris was danced to the sound of the local brass band. Today the bands of the North West sides normally feature a drum, an accordion and a tambourine.

The dances are often named after the towns or villages in which they originated or were first collected: names like Runcorn, Blackrod, Horwich, Grenoside, Saddleworth. The dances are normally for sets of eight, or sometimes six, people and consist of patterns involving a repertoire of basic steps. They are mostly set to traditional English tunes which can be played by anything from a brass ensemble to a single accordionist or, in our case, a melodeonist.

About us

We are a women’s side who dance in the NW Clog Morris style. We wear traditional Lancashire clogs.

The group was formed in Cambridge 25 years ago and is still going strong.

We practice from September until May in St Augustine's Church Hall, Richmond Road, Cambridge. In June and July we 'dance out' on our practice night at a variety of local venues. We also dance at a number of other events and festivals each year, both in East Anglia and further afield. Whittlesea, Ely, Rochester, Sheringham and Leigh-on-Sea are among some of our regular festival appearances.

Joining

We are always pleased to welcome new members. We meet between 7.45 and 9.15 pm on Monday evenings (in school term) in St Augustine's Church Hall, Richmond Road, Cambridge (which is off Huntingdon Road).

Come along on any Monday evening to see what we get up to. Contact us if you would like more information or to let us know you are coming if you prefer.

The best time to join is in September, at the beginning of our practice season, although we are pleased to welcome you at any time. If you've done some folk-dancing before this is an advantage but not essential. Morris dancing is good fun and great exercise without the tedium of the gym. Clogs are not necessary to start with - trainers/lace-up shoes will be fine.

Diary

New term starts:

Date: Monday 7th September 2009

Venue: St Augustine's Church Hall, Richmond Road, Cambridge, CB4 3PS.

During the summer we will be attending the following events:

Saturday 6th June - Thetford - Thomas Paine Bicentenary

(http://www.tompaine200.org.uk)

Sunday 28th June - Leigh-on-Sea folk festival

(http://www.leighfolkfestival.co.uk)

Saturday 4th July - Sheringham Lobster Potty Festival

(http://www.experiencesheringham.com)

Sunday 5th July - Fulbourn - Cambridge Crofters Day of Dance