We were delighted to be invited by Vale Islanders to their 17th Century Ale held in Buckland Village Hall, Oxfordshire. Vale Islanders are a group of dancers and musicians who perform English country dances of the 17th Century in the costume of the period. They had decorated the hall with garlands of greenery and looked magnificent in their outfits.

Seven more teams of dancers attended the event, representing an interesting range of traditional styles. The evening began with each group taking turns to dance. Vale Islanders began, www.vale-islanders.org.uk with their genteel style of dance.

King Stone Rappers www.king-stone-morris.org.uk obviously enjoyed their dancing with rapper swords, but we were quite concerned that one gentleman, taller than the rest, was going to sustain an injury!

Masons Apron  (above left)  www.masonsapron.org.uk is a Northwest Clog Morris side from Long Hanborough and danced with great precision. The Ducklington Morris (above centre left)  www.ducklingtonmorris.org.uk is a mixed Cotswold side from the village of Ducklington in West Oxfordshire who had a very theatrical melodeon player.  (above right)) Sheri and Minty, - and just in case you're tempted to ask - no, Minty wasn't part of our lunch..... :)

The most colourful side were Armaleggan www.armaleggan.org a mixed group of Border Morris dancers. We particularly liked their name – and their hats! Their make-up was quite interesting too!

Next was another mixed Cotswold side, Cry Havoc from Botley, whose emblem was a buzzard on the back of their waistcoats. We liked the idea of their coloured sticks and might even copy it, especially as they were purple!

Cry Havoc were followed by our friends Ridgeway Step Clog www.ridgewaystepclog.org.uk . Sue, who wears red, is married to Jim, one of our melodeon players. The cloggers put on an excellent display even though there were only three of them this time.

We were next, and danced The Garston Gallop for our first spot and Penny’s Bash when it was our turn again.

Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers www.abingdonmorris.org.uk brought along their Ock Street Horns (a carved wooden ox’s head) and danced in their own traditional style of Cotswold Morris.

After the dancing, we were treated to the most superb spread of food from the past, beginning with pottage (soup) and ending with an array of puddings, mostly involving pastry.

Fortunately we were not expected to do much dancing after eating. Some groups entertained with a song and then there was the opportunity for some mass dancing for those who hadn’t eaten too much!

Text : Jackie Breadmore
Photos : Jonathan and Sharon Causebrook


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