Alton Morris Side History

Alton Morris has its origins in Alton Morris Men, who danced as a Cotswold side from 1979 to 1991. In the latter years, membership declined, and it became more and more difficult to get a side out. Rather than fold, it was decided in 1991 to change from an all men's Cotswold side to a mixed Border side.The first season saw the side dancing Border, with the occasional Cotswold dance by the men, if numbers allowed. However, by the summer of 1993, the side concentrated solely on Border dances.

The first public performance of Alton Morris was in October 1992, when the side performed at a Tree Aid Barn Dance in the Alton Assembly rooms. In the first full season the following year, the side danced at the Wickham May Day celebrations, Wimborne Folk Festival, Oakhanger Bower Decking, the Isle of Wight Festival, plus local pubs and fêtes. Side numbers rapidly increased in the next few years, and have remained around 20-25 dancers and musicians ever since.

Over the years the side has danced at most of the main festivals in the south of England, including Rochester, Winchester, Wimborne, and Chippenham. In 1997 Alton were invited to Sidmouth as a town side, and despite (or because?) of the continual rain, it was a memorable experience. Alton Morris has also ventured further afield, including trips to Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. Foreign excursions have covered Rumania, France, Italy and southern Ireland.

The trip to Italy in 1999 was arranged as part of the twinning with Montecchio Maggiore; Alton Morris were the first official representatives, and were warmly welcomed by the Montecchians. As well as dancing in Montecchio, trips were arranged to Bassanio, Venice and Vicenza. In Vicenza, the side danced in front of the Basilica Palladania, and drew a large crowd, and also achieved a spot on the evening news!

To celebrate the Millennium, Alton Morris joined forces with Alton's other morris side, Minden Rose, and organised a weekend of dance. Approximately 16 sides took part, and in addition to the dancing, the traditional nurdling competion was held. Several of the sides put forward nurdling teams, and in the face of stiff competition, New Esperance emerged the victors. The music for the Saturday evening Ceildh was provided by the Committee Band, and was a great success.

In 2003, the side wangled itself an invitation to the Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry. Three days of dancing, drinking, Irish music, & crowds of people -an experience not to be missed.

Since the side was formed in 1991, there have been four Squires: Steve Palmer, whose idea it was, and who wrote many of the dances; Don Hammond, Trish Privetti, and currently, Sue Sawyer.