Always a great day out! Most of us travelled by train, many congregating at Guildford for a pleasant journey in good company down to the harbour station.
Good value cooked breakfast right by the mustering point the ‘Ship Anson’ near the dockyard. Hordes of Morris types, lots of old friends and familiar faces, including out Peter de C in Kennet colours. Aidan Hardy had to go for the ’Kiss me Hardy’ bitter in the pub, but sadly had no offers… Ferry tickets bought! All together.
First Spot, by the Docks
First dancing point was ‘dry’, prompting a quick return to the Ship Anson, near the railway station. Plenty of inquisitive passing trade – this prompted the Beast to Rise causing havoc with school / student groups and much amusement for all when chasing ‘runners’. The Horse had a splendid day.
Hartley MM spotted Aidan in Ravensborne kit and started some noisy and lively Kentish banter that lasted all day… Good dancing, lines and presentation with Brute and Fool as would be expected from an experienced side. Snowy white shirts stood out.
Second Spot, adventures in Gosport
Heaving Morris mass descended on the Gosport Ferry. Grumpy mariner was not delighted to find Victory dancing ‘Saturday Night’ while he was squeezing more morris on. We danced ‘Bold Nelson’ jig on the upper deck. Lovely, balmy sun.
Arrived at the excellent ‘Castle Tavern’. Dance area a bit limited and roadworks/traffic lights. A tactical split with Alton & Taeppa’s Tump staying put and Mendip and YMM moving on a bit. Mendip danced well, especially their Kirtlington speciality and also lovely to catchup with the sprightly Ian who danced with us for a few years. Lots of dancing, well into our groove now. Great to meet up with Lynsey Taylor – Dad Mike was our gentleman Fool!
Lunch
Ventured further into Gosport to a busy ‘Spoons some stayed for super cheap, voucher fulled beer, the rest off for a pasty (quality, very varied).
Third Spot, scenic docks and nautical views
Back on the ferry, everyone basking in the sun at the back. Ross, last one off, nearly locked in for another round trip…Onto a vintage bus, open top deck for an altogether far too short journey to Bridge Tavern. Great location. Lots of rather good dancing for an appreciative crowd before loads of sides turned up and we pushed off. Fullers beer, most of us were getting fairly mellow now. Plenty, plenty of lively equine action.
Long walk to Spice Island, where the rest of the sides were.… Glorious spot, lots of morris, public and passing boats. More Fullers for the discerning, Greene King for the less discerning.
Fourth Spot, historic towers and mass morris
Off to our final spot by the historic Square Tower on the walls, arrived as a fun, mass Vandals was finishing….. Got stuck into a mass Valentine and Bonnie Green. A fun finish, watching bemused border and clog sides grappling with three demanding Cotswold dances.
Good dancing, lines and presentation all day. Fine beasting and fooling. Snowy and showy white shirts. Lots of good company. Quiet, snoozy journey home….
Pick of the dances
Actually, they were all pretty good…
Pick of the beers
Irving Brewery
Performers
Andy Pobjoy, Steve Betts, Aidan Hardy,, Paul Lethbridge, Baz Crossman, Tim Lloyd, Ian Sutherland, Ian Young, Ross Healey, THE BEAST
YATELEY MORRIS MEN 