On 17th November we held our annual feast. It was very good to see Mike taking an active role in the organisation and planning of the feast once again. Our thanks must go to Mike and his team for their work which made the event a great success.

At the events meeting also in November, we decided to attempt to extend the season into August and September. This we have done. Also the perennial problem of recruitment raised its head. There is little doubt that unless we can recruit there will come a time when we can no longer perform as a Club. We are not the only side in this position and it seems to be common. We decided to try to become more pro-active and Brian and Rod worked hard to produce a leaflet for distribution at events and our thanks must go to them for that. In addition, Brian worked hard to try to get permission for us to perform at the Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield. All of Brian’s efforts came to nought, and also tried to achieve this, I can say that there does not seem to be too much response from the centre. We have had some interest shown at some venues – the Vine, the Park Gate and an approach was made to LIchfield for joint events, but so far with little effect. We were also approached at the IWA festival but we shall have to wait to see if this bears fruit.

Ladies Night was held in March at the usual venue and because of Dick’s illness, Dave Reeves stepped in to the breach as organiser. Thanks to Dave for doing this. It is not an easy task to arrange events like this and the fact that it was such a success was in no small measure due to him.

In many ways, the Club has not had a happy year. There were discussions about female musicians, which caused some bad feelings at the time which hopefully have been put behind us. There have been illnesses to both men and partners, and most sadly, the Club has lost two long serving members, Norman and Dick.

Norman was the second squire serving from 1958 – 1959 and was elected again in 1968. I did not know Norman well and so cannot pass comment, but those of you who knew him will have your own memories.

Dick was Squire of the Club from 1965 – 1968; 1968 - 70 and 1975 – 1976, a total of 6 years. Again we will all have our own memories of Dick. I will remember him especially for being welcoming, kind and extremely knowledgeable about all things folk. We should treasure his memory. It has been good to have seen Laura at events and I for one hope that she continues to come when possible.

Once again this year, we have danced at most of our usual haunts, and in addition we have danced at the Crown Inn Alvechurch, and revisited the Lock Inn Wolverley. We were made welcome in both of these venues and have been asked to visit again. At the Crown we were joined by the ladies of Glorishears and from memory we had one of the better audiences of the year.

We joined Jockey for their Annual Plough Tour in January, and took part in Glorishears’ 30th Birthday celebrations in April. Although the weather was poor the highlights for me were dancing inside the museum and performing Vandalls to the tune of Speed the Plough. We have joined with Shakespeare MM in Wootten Wawen and Anker at the Dog and Doublet.

In addition to our dancing out nights, we have been asked to participate in both private and public events.

In March we performed at Sarehole Mill in Birmingham and in In April, we were asked to dance, at short notice, for a wedding in Greyfriars Worcester. In addition to the fee, those of us who were able to attend were given ale and snacks of a high quality but best of all the happy couple presented the club with a barrel of ale to take away. Thanks to Rod and David Burke for arranging its transportation to Lichfield and to Rod for opening up his house to thirsty Morris men who ensured that the ale did not have time to deteriorate.

Also in April we danced at the Erdington Carnival – once again the weather was not kind, but we were able to put on a show

We have danced for two different Rotary Clubs. The first in March, in Coleshill was organised by Colin, and the second took place in Wednesbury. At both events, the dances that we performed were much appreciated and certainly at the Wednesbury event, there were a lot of pertinent questions about the Morris, which leads me to believe that there is genuine interest out there in some quarters about the traditions of this country.

We also performed at Middleton Hall and Baddesley Clinton on May 5th, once again the weather was not good, but the Club put on a good show at both venues. Thanks to Jim, for arranging the latter and to the ladies who helped Anne with the refreshments.

Later the same month we again led the Bower Procession in Lichfield and danced in Dam Street in the early afternoon, before the rain again interrupted us, when we were forced to retire to Chorley for tea. Thanks must go again to Jim, David Burke and the ladies of the Club for the arrangements. Thanks are also due to those men who braved the inclement weather to cut bowers. After tea we were entertained by Rod, Frances, David Reeves and Steph Taylor. Memory tells me that this was the second year that they have played and I have to say that this provides an appropriate ending to the day.

In June we performed at the Lichfield Folk Festival. Those of us who attended will remember that the weather was awful and that we only managed to dance a couple of dances before having to retire to the Kings Head for lunch. The day was not a complete loss however as we later danced indoors at St. Chad’s church Sutton Coldfield later that day.

Also in June, thanks to Bob we did a mini tour of Stourbridge. This included a visit to the Bull and Bladder (The Vine) – the Bathams brewery tap for lunch. We were due to dance at St. Peters church Flower Festival in Pedmore later that afternoon and surprisingly, not only did we make it, but that we were able to perform well.

A high profile event that we took part in was the IWA Festival at Pendeford on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday. The weather leading up to the festival had been very wet, but the day itself was quite good. Unfortunately, due to illness I was reduced to the role of spectator, but the dances we performed were well received and there was an appreciative audience at both spots especially the second.

The Club has also danced at the Britain in Bloom celebrations in Solihull, Masons Cottages and the Ring Meeting in Dartington in early September. We are now looking forward to leading the procession in the National Shrievelty Conference in Lichfield on 5th October.

Finally, it only remains for me to thank all of you for your support and help over the past year

Paul Oldhams Squire 2007/8 September 23rd 2008.

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