Queen Emma's Morris invites new dancers (From Witney Gazette)

Queen Emma's Morris invites new dancers

3:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2007

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WITNEY'S Morris dancers, Queen Emma's Morris, need new dancers - and musicians - to keep their tradition going.

The side has reached a low with just eight dancers and, realistically, needs a handful more to fulfil dancing engagements, says spokesman Desmond Brambley.

"We had to cancel some appointments last season, and we're getting close to not being able to fulfil commitments," he said.

Queen Emma's Morris has been an all-women's side, but men are welcomed, either as dancers or melodeon, fiddle, tin whistle, and tabor musicians.

Mr Brambley added: "Many people express surprise at seeing women Morris dancers.

"There are many instances of women dancing with men, to make up a team, and of whole teams of women since at least 1679, when they danced along the route into London as part of the Restoration celebrations."

The side has appointed a new squire, Karen Shooter, who points out that anyone interested in joining should visit the website queenemmas.co.uk, or phone 01993 840320.

She said: "It's a great shame that we're struggling to find new members. Queen Emma's have been entertaining crowds for the last 27 years, and we plan to keep going for a lot longer.

"We've just launched our own website, and we're redesigning the side's kit.

"We're going to have a whole new image for 2008."

They practise in Ducklington village hall every Wednesday night, from 8.15pm.

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