Greetings

It’s that time of year again when we look back at the last 12 months and look forward to seeing many of you at one of our performances over the festive season and throughout 2026.

Hopefully you have seen some of the reels and posts on social media which espouse the joy
of morris dancing and how to can get involved.

We have been fortunate to have 3 new members join us this year, but we need more to sustain the side and ensure we help keep alive a much loved tradition.

Damon, who joined us in October was dancing out with us in November and wished he had joined 15 years ago, rather than putting the idea on the back burner. Don’t hesitate to contact us and give it a go. You will be very welcome.

We’ll end the year with the Boar’s Head Ceremony at The Swan Hotel Bedford from 11.30 am on Boxing Day preceded with dancing on the Embankment from 10.45am. The boar’s head is presented as part of a festive offering, a tradition that dates back over 500 years.

Boxing Day (being a public holiday) was a day of leisure where normal social rules were loosened and music, disguise and performance were expected. It was a day off for agricultural workers and servants who would take the opportunity for Morris dancing, alongside mumming and wassailing; collecting a few shillings to supplement their wages. Many Morris sides will be performing across the county this boxing day.

At the turn of the New Year we will be performing the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance at Dunton Community Orchard Wassail. On Saturday 3rd January we will join other sides dancing and mumming.
On Plough Monday (traditionally the day before the plough boys returned to the plough) we will perform the Branston Plough Play on the 12th January around Bedford at venues including The
Devonshire Arms and Wellington Arms .

Earlier in the year we danced for St George’s Day, May Day morning at Ickwell Green and at the Ickwell May Festival, processing with the new May Queen to be crowned.

On the Bedford Tour we were joined by Hemlock Morris and we danced out at one of our biggest supporters - Sally at the Bell in Odell - prior to her taking the reins at the Muntjac in Harrold.

The crowds turned up at Bromham Mill Apple Day despite the less than ideal weather. Simon Melvin and Phil Cooper were awarded Honorary Life Membership in recognition and appreciation of their many years of commitment to the side as dancers, muscians and many roles in running the side.

We danced through the rain for an appreciative crowd at the Higham Ferrers Christmas Sparkle. Last weeks Carols and Capers Border Tour included a warm welcome in the Hidden Barrel and a long awaited return to the Flower Pot before a lively crescendo at The Welly were we handed the Britsih Heart Foundation a £500 cheque.

Thanks for your support and hope to see you soon.

Wassail!

Phil Nicholson
Squire
Bedford Morris Men