Our good friends,Ellington Morris, began the session by dancing their opening set, as usual the road outside the ‘Queen’s’ was as tight as usual.
The Horse made an appearance and lightly harassed the audience, who were mainly outside, thanks to the mild evening temperature. Great to see Richard Davies, long time YMM friend!
After a few dances from each side we headed off bound for the programmed Ship Inn. Andy P had the bright idea of dancing in the new square just beyond Waitrose and towards Rose street. This impromptu session brought out many of the locals who were eating or drinking on the peripheral establishments. A massed dance of Shepherds Hey, Bampton was performed, whilst Yateley used hands and Ellington used hankies, wedemonstrated how the same dance could be performed in different ways. The onlookers clamoured for more but we we shortly due at the Ship circa 21.00.
So the Ship garden (concrete and no grass) was full to bursting. Never seen the inside of the pub so empty. The Fullers ESB was as delightful as usual and resulted in the bar being deep with Morris.
The dancing was a challenge for both sides. Whilst keen to entertain those sitting at the outdoor tables it did mean that the dancers had to move in very tight sets.
The audience were very appreciative of the dancing and even joined in with the songs.
Yateley had to move to the other side of the yard to enable their eight man dances. Ellington also saw the advantage of slightly more space.
Both sides had an excellent evening of Cotswold dancing which ensured Yateley would join up again for sure with Ellington in the new season.
Pick of the performances Bampton, Shepherds Hey and pick of the beers Fullers ESB.
YATELEY MORRIS MEN 