Gate to Southwell

We took part in the 30th Gate to Southwell, a revival of a procession that dates back to the 12th century. We met with other sides outside Nottingham city hall, and then processed to Sneinton, where we were welcomed by the Sneinton Environmental Society and granted safe passage through the parish. We then got onto buses and danced at various places on the way to Southwell, where there was the handing over of symbolic donations from the parishes to the minster, and then a short service. Thank you to Chris Gigg of Dolphin Morris Men for organising the day, and to the two musicians who we borrowed throughout the day.

(The "other" side in the third picture is Anstey Morris Men).

The Bell, East Langton

Some of us danced as guests of Anstey Royale Chalfont, a north west side (dancing in that style, rather than from the north west - Anstey is near Leicester). No photos of us, as we all had to dance all the dances, but here is one of our hosts.

The Wharf, Welford

Dancing on a rather grey and damp evening - thank you if you watched - and among some motorcycles, as is usually the case at Welford.

The Star, Geddington

Always a good audience in Geddington, a lovely place near Kettering, and the home of perhaps the best surviving example of an Eleanor Cross, as well as a ford that the web editor and deputy squire could not resist driving through. We were delighted to be joined by Hips 'n' Haws, a clog dancing side from Northamptonshire, who joined us on our 20th anniversary tour last year. Photos above of the figures on the cross, of each side, and of a massed band of musicians from both sides who played for everyone to join Hips 'n' Haws in a dance.

The Dog and Gun, Walton

We were joined on a beautiful spring evening by the Coventry Morris Men. From top to bottom, Coventry dancing something that I forgot to note down, then dancing a sword dance while supplying the music themselves by humming and singing it. Then us through a cherry tree, and then us preparing to dance Beaux of London City (Badby).

Thanks to Coventry Morris Men for joining us. It is always good to dance with another side, to see dances we don't, along with dances we do but not done the same way.

The Swan, Braybrooke

First dance out of the year, a home match! One or two spectators, but plenty of dancers and musicians.

The Deputy Squire / Web Editor would like to apologise sincerely to the poor residents of the village whose driveway he blocked for the whole evening. He will look more carefully in future.

Plough Monday Feast 2010

It is our habit to have an evening on or near Plough Monday, with food and dancing. More pictures to follow, but here is one of this year's event, at the Coach and Horses, Lubenham, across the border in Leicestershire. Thanks to David West for the photo. Plough Monday, the first Monday after Twelfth Night, is an important date in the English tradition. See Ploughmonday.co.uk for more.