NOW that its summer dance season is over Winkleigh Morris is looking ahead to its winter practice sessions which begin on Tuesday, September 27 in Winkleigh Community Centre.

The first evening will be a “taster” session at which anyone who would like to have a go at morris dancing before making any commitment is welcome to go along to this first session which runs from 8pm to 10pm.

Colin Andrews, instructor for Winkleigh Morris, told the Courier: “We are also hoping to re-establish a youth group and there will be a taster session for those aged eight to 15 years from 7pm to 8pm on the same evening. If there is sufficient interest, the youth group will continue, at times to be mutually agreed.

“We are a mixed side of about 24 dancers and musicians, including several original members.  We perform a variety of dances from Cotswold and Border Morris traditions, and many dances of our own.

“Recently we have resurrected the ‘rapper sword’ dance after a gap of several years. From May until September we can be seen on a Tuesday evening around the villages in the heart of Devon, where you are welcome to join us afterwards in a friendly hostelry for further music, singing and dancing.

“We have danced at several festivals in this country and usually attend at least one Morris weekend every summer as guests of another group.”

Following the “taster” evening practice sessions will continue every Tuesday (except Dec 27) from October 4 until April 25. 

Further details are available from Colin by calling 01363 877216 or Averil, 01271 831461 or via the website: www.winkleighmorris.org.uk .