When it was formed in 1932 the side was known as "Old Mole". This was changed to "Bedford Morris Men" two years later.
Although the side was not well enough established to be one of the six sides which founded the Morris Ring in 1934, we joined the Ring soon after, in 1936.
The original side was built around a nucleus of former pupils from Clapham Road School. They were joined by other men, who had learned their dancing either with the English Folk Dance Society or with the Rover Scouts. In 1939, war brought dancing to a temporary halt.
The side is proud of its good relationship with the Borough. In 1947, we were given permission to use the Borough coat-of-arms and this can be seen represented on the front of the men's baldricks (cross-braces) and on the lower of the two hat-badges. The Men felt especially honoured when, in their golden jubilee year (1982), the Council gave permission to use the "Eagle and Castle" coat-of -arms. This is worn as the upper hat-badge as well as on the North-West Morris sashes.
The "puritan" hat we wear is an unusual departure from the more common straw hat used by morris sides. It was chosen because of the strong links in Bedford's history with John Bunyan. They have become almost irreplaceable now, so any contacts from suitable manufacturers would be very welcome!!
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