STICKS were clashing in Newton Abbot last Saturday as Grimspound Border Morris took to the town to run a workshop day.

The day was as an opportunity to share the tradition of Morris with a wider audience, and enable people to dress up and have a go, either by joining in with the dances or playing with the band - and to realise that it's not all 'bells and hankies!'.

Grimspound Border Morris practice in Newton Abbot and were recently awarded funding from the Teignbridge Arts Council. The aim of this is to increase awareness of the old traditions of Border Morris and to carry them on into the next generation.

Hattie McCann was a first time-trier of Border Morris on the day , having already danced the Cotswold style for a year.

‘It’s based on legends and folklore and is more sticks and shouting than the bells and handkerchiefs of Cotswold that I’m used to,’ she said.

‘However , it was great fun and I really enjoyed it.’

Morris has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and an increase in members of the younger generation who embrace the creativity and theatrics that Morris can offer, alongside being a cheap way to keep fit and meet new people.

Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Hattie McCann was a first time-trier of Border Morris, having already danced the Cotswold style for a year. ‘It’s based on legends and folklore and is more sticks and shouting than the bells and handkerchiefs of Cotswold that I’m used to,’ she said.‘However , it was great fun and I really enjoyed it.’ (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Eight year old Dougie Weymouth from Newton Abbot who joined in the band for a set. (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Grimbear the Morris mascot dancing with the side (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
All around my hat - I’ll wear the Morris badges (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Face paint - and integral part of the Grimspound look. (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Time to reflect on morris dancing technique (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
Face paint - and integral part of the Grimspound look. (Steve Pope/MDA)
Grimspound Border Morris hold a workshop day in Newton Abbot to promote morris dancing
(Steve Pope/MDA)