For the Morris men and women of England, it’s now that time of year when the bells are put away and colourful outfits are hung up for the winter months. It’s also the time of year when many Morris sides are hoping to recruit new members to strengthen their teams.

And after a busy summer, dancing at many of the pubs in the region, the Morris sides of Exeter are no exception.

The men of Exeter Morris and the women of Glory of the West are therefore inviting anyone who has ever enjoyed watching Morris Dancers to come along and try it out for themselves. The two sides have got together to host a Morris Dancing ‘Have a Go’ evening in the magnificent setting of Exeter Cathedral’s Chapter House on Thursday 29 October at 8pm.

There are some British traditions that many would argue we could do without. Morris Dancing is certainly a very old tradition, but one that’s full of colour, energy and soul. Go to any summer fete, fair or countryside gathering and you’re likely to see that these flamboyant performers will still form a major part of the day’s activities; definitely a tradition that should not be allowed to fade away.

Those that come along on Thursday 29th will be invited to join in with the dancing and the Foreman/woman (dance instructors) will guide you through the dances that they do. No previous experience is necessary, though a sense of rhythm is an advantage.

Exeter Morris Men Publicity officer, Chris Burhouse said: “We often have people tell us they’ve thought of trying Morris Dancing but have never got round to it.

“Well, if you tap your feet listening to music, we can teach you to Morris Dance. Oh, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!”

Exeter Morris Men are the oldest established side in Devon, formed in 1951 and Glory of the West was founded in 1976 at Exeter University. Both sides dance the Cotswold style of Morris Dancing and are anxious to help maintain the English Morris Dance traditions for future generations. Their current dancers are aged from 18 upwards, so younger members will be particularly welcome. Morris Dancing was thought to be predominantly performed by men, but nowadays, there are probably as many female Morris Dancers as there are male.

Ian Bowden, Squire of Exeter Morris Men 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 can leave you out of breath.

“At the same time, we are also a sociable lot and enjoy our aprés Morris with a chat, a joke, a few songs and music.”

Lynda King, ‘Bag’ for Glory of the West added: “Morris dancing is a very vigorous activity. It gives us great aerobic exercise and we have a good, enjoyable workout while dancing.”

Members of the Exeter sides are not just from around Exeter, but travel from as far as Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Taunton and Honiton. And they come from all walks of life with a wide range of occupations represented amongst the dancers and musicians.

Glory of the West Forewoman, Steph Walker, 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 during the Winter, we are certain we can teach at least one dance up to a level where it could be performed in public.”

From October to March, Exeter Morris Men hold their practice evenings at 8pm on Thursdays at Ide Memorial Hall and Glory of the West have their practice sessions at 8pm on Wednesdays at Bowhill Primary School in Exeter.

Both sides are keen to point out that anyone turning up on Thursday 29th will be made very welcome and can of course, join us for a drink in the pub afterwards.