UKTV had set up a travelling Xmas Grotto which will be visiting shopping centres around the country during the first 2 weeks of November. People were able to go into the Grotto and record a Xmas message for somebody they love ... and this is where West Hill Morris came in.
So, on the appointed date, three lusty Morris Men and one Morris Lady turned up at Bluewater for filming. The Grotto was a Luton van, bedecked in cotton wool snow, with not much room inside. Good job we'd brought short sticks ... !!
The first take caused the van to reach about 8 on the Richter scale, plastic ducks falling aside, and TV lights swinging dangerously. These activities also caused much mirth from the production crew, and curious stares from passers by.
We tried again with daintier steps, and, after a few false starts, got a successful take that lasted the prescribed 25 seconds.
Finally, a 5 second take was made to fill in the odd seconds in the continuity, and our work was done. Except to pose for photo with a passing tourist (there's always one !!).
Fame at last !! A jolly afternoon, and good TV exposure !!