Last Updated 23rd February 2001
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Meeting at Cecil Sharp House, 12th March 1960
The 72nd meeting of the Morris Ring was held at Cecil Sharp House on Saturday, 12th March, 1960; its purpose being instruction in two Cotswold traditions. Stan Belfield instructed in the Ilmington dances; and Francis Shergold and Roy Shergold, of the Bampton Morris Men instructed in their own tradition.
The Bampton men, who had travelled from the West with the Squire, took the morning session, 11-12.30 a.m. Stan Belfield, with a team of Jockey men to demonstrate, had the first afternoon session, 2.30-4.30 p.m. both traditions were taught in the final session, 5.30-6.45
It was during this final session that Francis and Roy danced the Bampton Nutting Girl jig;
The intent silence in which this magnificent performance was watched was succeeded by prolonged applause from men who had been given a joyous morning by the Bampton dancers. The Ilmington instruction, thoroughly prepared, was distinguished by the
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instructor’s successful determination to make the men work.
Lunch was found by the men in parts of Camden Town. Those patronising the York and Albany danced outside the tavern, and collected exactly one guinea for the Plaque Fund. The Buffet Dept. of Cecil Sharp House provided coffee, tea in Trefusis, and food for the evening ale.
129 men came to this day’s work, drawn from Beaux of London City, Benfleet Hoymen; Border M.M.; Cambridge; Colchester; East Surry; Gloucestershire; Headington; Jockey; London Pride; London Rodney; Morley College; Northampton; North Downs; Offley; Oxford; Roding Valley; Standon; Thames Valley; Westminster; White Rose (Leeds); Winchester; Woodside; and one unattached dancer, H. B. Love.
Of those about 60 stayed for the Ale beginning at 7 o’clock in Trefusis; although more were present at that time to drink a glass of ale and to exchange the friendly word before leaving for home.
Don Wilby from Colchester called for the Ale; except for songs by John Glaister of Thames Valley, John Lankester of Roding Valley,
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Kenneth Loveless and Russell Wortley, dancing was continuous, including Longboro’ and Bucknell Saturday Night. At 8.50 p.m., with just 25 men and 5 musicians remaining (and practically no beer) the evening closed with Bonny Green Garters. The Trefusis tables were straitened, and glasses washed, and men away, soon after 9 o’clock.
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