A Morris dancing side in Maidenhead has held it’s 50th anniversary Ceilidh at Bourne End community Centre.
Ellington Morris performed two traditional Cotswold show dances on Saturday, March 4, before the Ceilidh took place with music provided by Diatonics.
The side invited past members and friends, alongside members of the ladies north west Morris side, Taeppa’s Tump, to mark the occasion.
A celebratory cake was cut halfway through the evening by one of the earliest original members George Rushton and the side’s most recent squire, Jane Courtier.
The evening was also a tribute to the founders of the side, one of whom being Reg Jakes who was the last remaining co-founder who passed away recently, aged 97.
The celebratory event came to a close with some clog dancing and more social dancing.
Ragman Chris Bell, who looks after the side’s archives and chattels, said:
“We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with nearly a hundred people and were able to reminisce with previous members of the side with such tales as being banned from Nicholson’s walk because we might be a fire hazard; having our melodeon stolen; dancing for Princess Margaret and Nancy Reagan; and being bitten by a dog on a day of dance in Chepstow.
“After 50 years, it just shows there is still an interest in traditional folk music and dance.”
The side is continuing its practice season ready for St George’s Day and then from Monday, May 1.
For more details visit: www.ellington.org.uk
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