And what a great day out with the St Clement's Clogs!! Despite the threat of rain and a fuel crisis, we met as arranged at 10am at Istead Rise Community Centre, and were warmly greeted by the St Clement's Clogs. West Hill were missing Andy, who was holidaying in Syria, (perhaps researching a theme for the next West Hill Mummer's Play), but Kentish Morris was represented at some strength by Pork Scratchings, Kent Korkers, Frog Island Morris and Copperfield Cloggs, in addition to West Hill.
Braving ominous clouds, we boarded the two coaches provided, and set off on the day's tour.
Our first call was at the Malta Inn on River Medway. Beneath a sprinkling of light rain, dancing proceeded apace at the side of the Medway, the Music combining as tunes were remembered (or busked) to provide a merry din. Ralph was there on the accordion, wisely taking shelter as the rain increased. But the dancers were undaunted, and we were presently rewarded with a distinct threat of fine weather!
Next, to the Robin Hood on the North Downs for Dancing and Lunch (or Lunch and Dancing if you were on the first sitting !) We attempted to enroll some youngsters into Morris, but they escaped and preferred to play on the climbing frame in the pub garden. The weather cleared up a little, but it was cold for the musicians, though OK if you were dancing.
After lunch, we set upon our way to Chatham Dockyard, via the earthworks of the Channel Tunnel rail link, and in due course disembarked on this historic, if rather windswept, dockyard. Our path took us past the skeleton of a plate curving mill, made in Glasgow circa 1908, which would put curves in steel plate up to 1and a half inches (38mm) thick.
With the Music striking up a merry tune, the dancing began anew, and we took it in turns to display our dances, and had soon gathered an appreciative crowd of - um - almost 12 people to admire our fortitude. A simultaneous dance by all sides and with all Music commenced, but what with the complexities of space and time and the propagation of sound vibrations through the Aether, the Music managed to keep synchronised within a tolerance of an bar or two, achieving looks of bewilderment from the audience, and yet a hearty round of applause at the conclusion.
But all things must move on, and we danced around the corner and beheld the Flagship Brewery. Well, it would be impolite not to accept the invitation to sample the Ale, which, I must say, was rather good and nicely flavoured, malty and hoppy, but not too much of anything. Duly fortified, the dancing restarted, the sides proceeding as before. And, before too long, the river steamer arrived, and the disembarking passengers were treated to a rare sight of Morris in full flow.
But, what's this? The Flagship was offering Seconds, so in we duly filed in to sample the Ale anew!! And it was even better this time around ! ! !
After a final Jolly Green Garters, we strolled back to the Coaches, and headed back to Istead Rise Community Centre for the evening meal and Celiedh, with the band 'Hot Rats'.
The band were great, and soon had all on their feet with traditional country dancing. But somehow, it got to 11pm, and, so as not to turn into a pumpkin, I regrettably departed back home.
Morris On !!
Greg. 25/9/00