Morris dancers entertain pub goers (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Wimbledon morris dancers entertain Clapham pub goers

7:00am Monday 14th May 2012 in News

Morris dancers launched a summer dance programme last Friday with two special performances.

Greensleeves Morris Men, Wandsworth and Merton's Morris dancing club, performed outside the Rose and Crown in the Polygon, Clapham Common.

In the evening they danced outside the Nightingale, in Nightingale Lane, Balham.

They entertained crowds at both pubs with a selection of traditional dances and music, including a performance of the Brighton Camp.

Squire Chris Benson said: "We have been dancing at the Rose and Crown for many years. They have one of the best audiences we get in a year.

"We turn up at the Rose and Crown, and suddenly there is an audience. There are always people around that are interested in Morris dancing,"

George Gillett, landlord at the Nightingale, said: "Morris is a great thing and goes hand in hand with a pub. It’s good to get English cultural entertainment.

"Our customers enjoy it. We have one American guest with us tonight who has never seen Morris dancing before."

Greensleeves was founded in 1926 and is London's longest established Morris dancing club.

The club practises on Fridays 8pm-10pm in South Wimbledon Community Centre, Victory Road, South Wimbledon from September to April, then begins its summer dancing season in May.

Anyone interested in joining can contact David Cooling on 07500993993 or email bagman@greensleevesmorris.org.uk