On a misty, damp December day we went to watch my sister Sue dance out at The Lilacs, a pub in the village of Isham near Kettering in Northamptonshire. She and her friends dance a variety of Morris Dancing from the border between Wales and Shropshire. This is a vigorous form of Morris using clattering of sticks rather than the shaking of handkerchiefs. There are still bells.
The Queen's Oak side come from Potterspury, Northamptonshire. This day they were also alternating with the all male side the Witchmen. See pictures of them below.
Click on the thumbnails for the full view!
All pictures by Paul Hetherington Canon IX Canon FS2710 scanner
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My sister Sue |
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Witchmen come from the Kettering area. They are very exciting to watch - very macho and dynamic. The fertility aspect of Morris is very obvious from their dances, together with pagan origins of the dances.
Witchmen have their own website if you want to learn more.
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This page updated: 07 December 2004
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