Have you got the bells to be a Morris Dancer?

Exeter Morris Men are recruiting and invite anyone who has ever enjoyed watching Morris dancers to have a go themselves. An Open Evening is being held at Ide Memorial Hall at 8pm on Thursday 3 October and everyone is welcome.

Now the dancing season has come to an end, the search is on to find new members to add to the team and Exeter Morris would be especially interested to hear from younger dancers.

Morris dancing may be an ancient tradition but go to any summer fete, fair or countryside gathering and these flamboyant performers will still form a major part of the day’s activities. Two Morris sides even made an appearance at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.

As well as a good way to keep fit, Morris dancing is being appreciated just as much for its lively sense of fun as well as its tradition. Yet many Morris dancing groups still struggle to attract younger members.

Squire, Nick Lambert said, “The image of Morris dancers is that they are overweight old men with beards who have a fondness for real ale. Well the real ale part may be true, but that’s where it ends”.

“Anyone learning to be a Morris dancer will be surprised by just how energetic it can be and some of the dances will give you a great aerobic workout”

Members of the Exeter side are not just from around Exeter, but travel from as far as Plymouth, Brixham, Taunton and Honiton. A wide range of occupations are represented by the Exeter Morris Men including architect, dentist, french polisher, farmer, teacher, chiropractor, accountant and solicitor.

Foreman Russ Palmer, who leads the weekly practice sessions, said “Everyone can give it a go and you don’t need any specific background. It’s easy for beginners to learn and we are certain we can teach at least one dance up to a level where it could be performed in public.”

Exeter Morris are keen to point out that anyone turning up on Thursday will be made very welcome and are offering to provide a lift to Ide and to buy potential members a drink in the pub afterwards. If anyone needs a lift, they should telephone 01392 660444. They can also be contacted through their Facebook page.

Exeter Morris Men are the oldest established side in Devon, formed in 1951 and are a familiar sight in Exeter and the villages and seaside resorts of South & East Devon during the summer months. Regular fixtures include the Exeter Craft Festival held each year on Cathedral Green and Colyford Goose Fayre.

Nick said, “Morris Dancing really is fun and our catchphrase is, Exeter Morris Men Get Their Kicks With Hankies & Sticks”.