In October, we were asked to perform at Blakesley Hall for their annual apple Day. Unfortunately, there were few of us who could perform and we regrettably had to ask Jockey for assistance. However the day went reasonably well despite this.
Once again we danced at Shenstone on Boxing Day at our usual two venues. The audiences were very appreciative of our efforts and the bag for charity was a good one.
We also joined Jockey for their annual Plough Tour in January, at least some of us did, I was unfortunately ill and unable to participate.
In February we danced at the St. Barnabus, Shrove Tuesday party. As well as performing a range of dances, we also made a presentation of a tankard inscribed with his name and the Green Man head to Father Peter Spencer in recognition of his friendship and importance to the club.
Later in the year, the club performed in St. Barnabus itself to mark Father Peter’s impending retirement.
We were asked to dance at the impressive Swinfen Hall in March. This was for a meeting of people from across Europe involved in the operation of Toll motorways, hosted by the company who operate the M6 Toll. We were initially asked to dance outside as the delegates arrived but the weather being very cold, it was decided that we should perform in the impressive entrance hall. After a time, we were advised that the delegates were arriving. As the doors to the Hall were opened we began our dance. The guests had obviously had enough of English culture as the vast majority of them headed straight for the Bucks Fizz and Canapés being served next door. Nevertheless a good night was had by all, and we all participated in a free drink. Jim did remark later that it was the first time that he had known Green Man to refuse a free drink when we all declined the offer of a second. Unfortunately, although we were promised some photographs for the scrapbook, none seem to have materialised at present.
In April for St. George’s Day, we had agreed to dance in Solihull for Friendly Folk. Unfortunately, we were very short on numbers and we were only just able to perform.
On May 1st, we danced at Middleton Hall, when once again, the weather conspired to make us dance inside the Hall. Nevertheless, our performances were well received by the watching audience. We moved on to the National Trust property at Baddesley Clinton where we put on two performances which were enthusiastically received. The bag also benefited.
Thanks must go to Jim, who once again arranged for us to be able to dance there, but more importantly, for us to be able to collect. The day finished with a visit to the Black Boy.
We again led the Lichfield Bower procession on Bank Holiday Monday in May. Surprisingly, the sun shone on us and it didn’t rain until we had completed the procession, danced in Dam Street, and were preparing to go to Chorley. Thanks here must go to the Bower cutters who had to contend with some appalling weather. We must also thank Jim, David Burke and the ladies, who as usual prepared the Hall and food in Chorley and Rod his wife Frances and others who provided us with some musical entertainment.
We returned to Lichfield on 16th June where we took part in the Lichfield Folk Festival.
Towards the end of June, we danced in Bancroft Gardens, Stratford. Although the weather was kind, the audience was very small, due in no small part to the closure of the Shakespeare theatre.
On 7th July we performed at Erdington Carnival and although I was unable to take part, I understand that a good day was had by those who did so.
We danced at most of our usual venues and thanks to Maurice, we added the Old Hare and Hounds to our list of pubs. We once again had a performance affected by the weather and managed to leave the swords behind. Thanks to Dick who rescued them (still locked) a few days later.
Two other events must be mentioned. The first of these was the 3 Organisations Day of dance held in Birmingham. This was as we remember an event bringing together for the day the three Morris organisations. Jockey had agreed to organise the day and it was due mainly to the work of Steve Lowe that the event was a great success. Having attended one of the planning meetings, I can only marvel at the complexities of security, care for lost children and Health and safety which were discussed at that meeting. We were asked to help marshal the event and thanks to all those who assisted with that Thanks also to Colin who organised lunch at the pub. The day ended with Cotswold show dances in Victoria Square.
Finally, we attended the Ring meeting organised to celebrate Stafford Morris Men’s 50th Anniversary from July 20th to 22nd. The meeting was centred on Brewood and unfortunately, this was the wettest weekend of the whole summer. It rained virtually non-stop for the whole of Friday 20th and some men and sides were unable to reach the town.
Saturday dawned wet and remained so for most of the day. We were unable to perform much during the day due to the poor weather, but at Moseley Old Hall and at Boscobel house, we did get a guided tour and at the latter we discovered a display cabinet decorated with a number of Green Men which we were permitted to photograph.
Lunch was taken at RAF Cosford where we also performed, in the new ‘Cold War’ exhibition. As we were with other sides, we were able to look at the impressive array of planes, missiles and other items relating to the Cold War.
We did manage to dance at Boscobel, but the threat of rain was always there. We ended the afternoon at the Royal Oak where your Squire, Foreman, Treasurer and Colin amused themselves playing crib. The Feast in the evening was excellent if a little long.
On Sunday following Church, we performed Longsword in the show which was well received.
Generally speaking, practices and dancing out sessions have been well supported and we have managed to perform a varied repertoire.
Ladies night was held in March and thanks must go to Dick for arranging that event.
Can I again place it on record the Club’s thanks to our ladies who support us in many ways and can I give the Club a very special thanks from my lady whose birthday was made extra special by the members of the club who danced the valentine around her at the Griffin on her 60th birthday June 12th.
Special thanks to Jim, David Reeves, David Easton and Bob, without whom the Club would not function, and my thanks to you all for your help and support over the past year.
Paul Oldhams
Squire
Green man’s Morris and Sword Club

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